Fight like a GIRL! (Breast Cancer Awareness)

I could not let October pass by without sharing just a few things about Breast Cancer. Though there are many cancers out there that everyone should be aware of, Breast Cancer is the 2nd most common type of "deathly" cancer among women & awareness of this should definitely be raised. Here is a bit of information about breast cancer that is WORTH reading:

What is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer is a tumor (a mass of abnormal tissue) within the breast. The majority of breast cancers begin in the milk ducts, however a small number start in the milk sacs or the lobes. Like other cancers, breast cancer if unchecked also has the ability to spread to different areas. The spread occurs mainly via the lymph ducts.

Who is at risk? Breast cancer is far more common in women than in men although men can also get breast cancer. Some women are at a particularly higher risk.

• Age-risk of breast cancer increases with age.
• Family history of breast cancer i.e. women whose mother, grandmothers, aunts or sisters have developed breast cancer, are at an increased risk.
• Women, who previously had breast cancer, have a slightly higher chance of having breast cancer in the other breast.
• Women who started their periods (menarche) at an earlier age (before 12 years).
• Delayed childbearing, women who did not breast-feed their infants, or those who never had children.
• Late menopause (after 50 years)
• Obesity
• Diet rich in animal fat.

It is important to mention here that even if several risk factors are present, if does not necessarily mean that cancer will develop in these cases. It is equally important to mention that 75% of women who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors.

What are the signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer? In a majority of women breast cancer is first noticed as a lump in the breast. There are other important signs and symptoms.

• Discharge from the nipple, particularly if blood stained.
• Change in shape or size of breast.
• Change in appearance of skin in a part of the breast.
• Rash on the nipples or surrounding areas.
• A lump or thickening inside the breast tissue.
• Inversion or turning in of the nipple.
• Swelling on the upper arm
• Swelling in the armpit

How can Breast Cancer be diagnosed?

Being in an area, which is easily accessible, the importance of early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer cannot be over-emphasized. Early detection and treatment can provide an almost 100% cure.

• Breast Self Examination (BSE) is important as it helps the patient to detect any changes occurring in her breast by herself. All women should be taught how to do a breast self-examination. However it is reassuring to note that all lumps in the breast are not cancerous, though one must check out with the doctor, when a lump is suspected.
• A Mammogram is an X-ray of the breast using a specially designed machine and is very useful in early diagnosis.
• Besides BSE every woman over 40 years must have Physical Examination of the breast done by a doctor, as part of the annual check up program.

Following a clinical examination a Biopsy is the only definite way of confirming or ruling out breast cancer in suspected cases. A piece of breast tissue is taken for testing; this can be done by inserting a needle into the Breast (FNAC-fine needle aspiration cytology), or by an operation under local or general anesthesia. A pathologist then examines the breast tissue under the microscope to check for cancer cells.

Below is a picture of how to do a 

Self-Breast Examination:

Breast cancer is 100% curable/treatable only IF it is found in the beginning stages! Ladies (and men), let's do self examinations & get wellness checkups frequently! Warning does come before destruction (I'm taking my own advice, lol!), and God wants us to LIVE! My prayer is that all women (and men) & their families who are currently battling this cancer will have peace, strength, and comfort during this time. I also pray that a cure will be found one day. I bless God & believe that thousands will be healed in the 

MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS.....AMEN :-)

I love this! I think its cute & it definitely grabs your attention! It is simply saying FEEL YOUR BREASTS for lumps & any other abnormalities!

Thanks for reading! Pass the information...