It’s already October! Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month? This month is dedicated to fighting back against breast cancer, one of the leading cancer causes of death for women in Canada.
With your help, researchers can continue to search for a cure or ways to prevent breast cancer in the future. Consider donating and participating in a Breast Cancer Awareness run in your city (more information is listed at the end of this blog)!
What is Breast Cancer?
Like all other cancers, breast cancer starts with one or more cells that change within the body. In this case, it forms in the breast. There are multiple types of breast cancer, including invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, Paget’s disease and more.
This disease primarily is caused by a genetic abnormality. However, only 5-10% of cancers are caused by a gene mutation passed down through your mother or father. Instead, 85-90% of breast cancers are caused by abnormalities in genes that occur as a result of aging and the “wear and tear” in the lifestyle.
Donate to the Canadian Cancer Society to support breast cancer research in Canada.
Who Breast Cancer Affects
Breast cancer is the second leading cancer-related death for women and is typically found in women over 50. It is possible to be diagnosed earlier in life, though. Many risk factors may cause you or a loved one to be diagnosed with this challenging disease.
Many factors have to do with genetics. Women with mutations to the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer. These genes help fight breast cancer. In addition to these genes, those with a mother, sister or daughter diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer have an increased risk. Their risk may also increase if they have multiple family members who have breast or ovarian cancer on either side of the family. And if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you are more likely than others to get it again.
Reproductive health plays a role here as well. The longer you are exposed to hormones, the more likely you are to get breast cancer. If you began your period before age 12 and did not begin menopause until 55, you are at higher risk.
Dense breasts can pose a higher risk for breast cancer, too. Breast density is the comparison between fibrous and glandular tissue versus fatty tissue. Density does not stay the same throughout your life. You are more likely to have dense breasts if you are younger, are pregnant/breastfeeding, take hormone replacements or have lower body weight. You can learn more about your breast density by doing a mammogram.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, but this list is an excellent guide to follow if you have any concerns. Keep in mind some people may not show any signs or symptoms. Some symptoms may not even be related to breast cancer. If you notice any signs, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. This list is in no particular order:
- Pain in the breast
- Lump in the breast/underarm
- Flaky or red skin around the nipple area or breast
- Discharge from nipple besides breast milk (includes blood)
- Dimpling of the skin on the breast
- A change in size or shape of the breast
If you are concerned about lumps in the breast, please remember that two common reasons women get breast lumps are fibrocystic breast conditions or cysts.
How Can Breast Cancer Affect the Body?
Breast cancer can metastasize (spread) to other body parts, potentially resulting in tumors. With early diagnosis, you can prevent many effects of breast cancer.
Most effects come from the treatment you receive to remove breast cancer. Some typical effects during treatment include:
- Tiredness
- Changes in hair & skin
- Swelling
- Bone & Joint Pain
- Scarring
- Low sex drive and loss of ability to get pregnant
How to Prevent Breast Cancer
We discussed different risk factors that may cause you to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Let’s discuss the risk factors you can change to help prevent it:
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a normal weight
- Caution with hormone replacement
- Minimize alcohol consumption
- Avoid smoking or being around hazardous chemicals
In addition to these risk factors, completing a breast self-exam regularly is also recommended. Stay familiar with your breasts that way, when you complete a self-exam, you will notice any changes such as pain, lumps, changes in size, etc. Make a self-examination part of your routine whenever you get your period.
There are various screening tests you may do as well. Doctors can perform mammograms, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or clinical breast exams.
It’s important to keep up with your health. See your doctor regularly and bring up any concerns regarding your breasts.
Let’s Raise Awareness of Breast Cancer
At Coast2Coast, we take health very seriously. This is why we’re going pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month! We have updated our logo and will donate to increase research against this horrible disease.
Although we could not organize an official team for CIBC’s Breast Cancer Awareness run this year, we have already begun the planning process for next year. Please be on the lookout for more information regarding our fundraising.
We encourage you to donate and participate in a run near you!
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