Health: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

October 01, 2013

Hey Everyone!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month! The topic of Breast Cancer particularly hits home for me because I recently lost an aunt to breast cancer, and I have had friends, and patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer. I am sure some of you can also relate. In this month of October, I want you all to actively take part in educating yourselves, supporting and actively taking part in activities that will lead towards hope for patients, or finding a cure. Contrary to popular belief, breast cancer does not only affect women, it also affects men. Also, it is not primarily a disease of the old, it can happen at any age. To kick of the awareness, I will share a few facts, that you should know....

A few facts about Breast Cancer....

What should you do?...

BE PROACTIVE!!!!

1) Educate yourself...

You can educate yourselves by reading articles, doing online research, asking questions... Ever heard the saying, "Knowledge is Power?" It applies here!

2) Do a self exam...

You can do a self breast exam at home, it only takes a few minutes! If you do not know how. Below are a few images to help you...If you don't feel comfortable doing on your own, then this is a good month to schedule an appointment with your Gynecologist. Ladies, this month, do not let your partners squeeze your boobies for free!!! If they are going to get a handful, they better get to work in helping you examine your breasts... You can tell them I said so! LOL.

After you have done the self exam, please make sure to see your doctor if you notice any of the following...

3) If you are over 40, please Schedule a mammography...

Please tell your mothers, aunties, sisters, friends, wives that are over the age of 40. Mammography is not recommended for women less than 40 because they have more breast tissue, that is women that are under 40 have more tissue density in the breast, so the X-ray is not able to fully penetrate the breast tissue, as a result, there is a higher chance of inaccuracies in results.

4) Support the cure...

Look out for the pink ribbon this month. Support the cure anyway you can; by donating, buying something that supports the cure, wearing a pink ribbon, wearing pink, participate in breast cancer walks, runs, volunteer at breast cancer care centers, anything...

5) Show support to patients with or survivors of breast cancer...

Being diagnosed with, living with or surviving breast cancer is not the easiest thing in the world. The least we can do is offer full support; either morally, financially, or merely offering prayers. Remember that breast cancer can happen to anyone!

6) Run or Walk for the Cure...

Participating in a run or walk for the care is a great way to support the cure. It helps to raise money, you will have fun while doing it, especially if done with friends or family, plus its a great way to exercise! I encourage you to find events that will take place in your area and participate, you will be glad you did!

5) Spread the awareness...

After you have learned about Breast Cancer, don't just keep the information to yourself. Tell a friend, colleague, brother, sister, aunty, grandmother! Remember to let them know that early detection saves lives! SO they should go for an examine as soon as possible, not next year, now!

Feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have, I will be more than happy to answer them!

Thank you and have a great month y'all!