October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s important that we talk about this topic because breast cancer is something that affects us all, men and women.
The first time I ever heard of breast cancer was when I was in secondary school. My senior who was close friends with my brother at the time, had lost her mum to breast cancer. The doctors had discovered it too late and the healthcare system at the time wasn’t as advanced as it is now, in terms of cancer treatments. This was over a decade ago. Thinking about it now, I wonder if they could have saved her if they’d discovered it earlier.
We’d sometimes hear the misconception that older women are the ones that should worry about breast cancer. Wrong!
Breast cancer can happen to anyone at any age, so it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms. We want to create a sense of community where we are all watching out for each other.
The first tip we would like to share is to do regular self-examinations, and this can be done by checking your breasts every month, a few days after your period. We’re checking for any lumps or bumps, or changes in the size, shape or texture of your breasts. If you find any changes, no matter how small they may seem, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Another symptom of breast cancer is nipple discharge or inverted nipples. We want to stress that not all changes are due to breast cancer, but it’s still important to talk to your doctor about any unusual changes you may notice. Now, we don’t want to sound like we are trying to scare you. Breast cancer can be treatable if detected early. We just want to make sure that you have all the information and tips to stay on top of your breast health. Also, to remind you that breast cancer doesn’t only affect women but also men. Yup, men can get breast cancer too! Men need to pay attention to their breast health and watch out for any changes or symptoms, such as lumps or breast swelling.
Finally, let’s remember that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Let’s come together as a community and raise awareness. Let’s support each other, let’s educate each other and let’s fight breast cancer together.
