Its Pink October Months!

Its Pink October Months! | Hello everyone, October is here already and I guess this year time do fly fast. What is your best achievement so far this year? Me? Winning a Le Creuset I guess. Anyway it's October and kids are excited for Halloween, but I guess this month is more suitable with Pink October month for all.

Cancer is one of the silent killer everyday, and I witness my late auntie and uncle suffer with cancer die sadly. My two auntie have breast cancer, one already pass away and one already remove her breast. My 2 uncle already pass away and one suffer with blood cancer and one with liver cancer. It is a sad situation in my family and my mom was really upset about because her siblings gone one by one because of it.

Also read : Cancer Took Him Away

Did you know with almost 60,000 cases discovered each year, Breast cancer is most common in women. And while it’s getting better and better and the death rate has been going down in recent years, it’s important to get it detected in a timely manner. The organized national screening program has enabled many women to cope with the disease on time since 2004.

Who  are affected by breast cancer?

Almost every ninth woman will develop breast cancer in the course of her life. Although the screening campaign is mostly aimed at women aged 50 to 74, as 75% of cases are reported after 50 years of age. But it is important to know that less than 10% of breast cancer cases affect those under 40. Breast cancer therefore affects all women.

What are the risk factors?

On the one hand, there are the so-called “non-modifiable” factors. Namely: family history of breast cancer, age, genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2 …), high breast density, late menopause (after 55), first menstruation before the age of 12.

On the other hand, there are the factors that we can influence and which are referred to as “modifiable factors”: alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of exercise, late pregnancy (over 30 years). These indicators can explain the incidence of breast cancer in women who, even if they fail to identify themselves in these risk factors, still need to be made aware of the importance of screening.

How is breast cancer screened for?

To significantly increase the chance of recovery, breast cancer should be diagnosed as early as possible. Hence the need for a regular screening. This includes a consultation with your doctor and your gynecologist. The latter must also be seen at least once a year for an inspection visit. If in doubt after palpation of the breasts, this specialist will prescribe the examinations to be carried out in order to make a quick diagnosis.

A Mammography every two years is also strongly recommended for people aged 40 and over. For this reason, Malaysian can have mammogram check at the nearest Klinik Kesihatan for all women ages 40 and above. 

Another way to periodically check whether or not there is an abnormality: Self-palpation. Every month after menstruating, it is advisable to touch her breasts. Don’t you know how to do it? The site cancerdusein.org explains it in 4 illustrated steps. I have done my screening this year, and luckily all clear.

HOW TO SUPPORT THIS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

1. Share a story

Cancer survivors, family members, caregivers and medical professionals have a chance to share their perspectives on how cancer impacts their lives. Do an online search of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and you'll discover various organizations that have links to social media blogs, video platforms and more. Upload your story and feel proud that you are one more voice of victory against this disease.

2. Think pink

Pink is the color du jour for October's campaign. Some people change their website's background colors to pink for the month. Others rummage through their closets and pull out pink everything — sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, entire outfits — even wigs! Many workplaces hold Pink Days to encourage coworkers to get involved in the fight against breast cancer. So this months I'll be wearing pink mask from Himaya to support their campaign with MAKNA.

3. Raise some money

October is the primary fundraising month for Breast Cancer Awareness and whatever you give is appreciated. Hold a raffle, coordinate a talent show or simply write a check. It all helps to fund life-saving cancer research. Large corporations use October to make mega-sized donations. On the smaller scale, fill up a dozen pink piggy banks and make your donation. As in Malaysian, you can support by donate at MAKNA through many channel or even in Shopee you can do it easily.

​FIVE REASONS WHY OCTOBER IS THE PINKEST MONTH

​1. Breast cancer doesn't discriminate

​Although breast cancer is more prevalent among American white women, African-American women tend to die from the disease more often.

​2. Breast cancer can baffle scientists

​Scientists don't really understand why the left breast seems to develop cancer more often than the right breast.

​3. Breast cancer surgery was a trailblazer

The very first operation to use anesthesia to deaden pain was a breast cancer surgery.

​3. Men get it too

​Overall, only one percent of American males are diagnosed with breast cancer, but African-American men just like women in their community, are more prone to die from the disease.

4. ​Breast cancer — the nuns' disease

​At one time, breast cancer was called "the nuns' disease" because it seemed to afflict more nuns than women in the general population.

WHY BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH IS IMPORTANT

1. It promotes self-care

Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds women (and men ) that monthly breast cancer exams should be a regular part of one's self care. If you have never performed a self-exam, ask your doctor or nurse practitioner to guide you through. Look for changes within and surrounding your breast including dimpling, redness, scaliness or nipple discharge. Granted, some breasts are a little more "lumpy" than others but changes in size or in the tissue should send up a red alert to make an appointment to see your physician.

2. It focuses on treatment

There are several different types of breast cancer. Treatment options depend on various patient factors: the stage and specific type of cancer, age and overall health at the time of diagnosis, and the patient's personal and family history. After the diagnosis, a patient should consult with family to choose a physician who can go over treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation,

3. It shouts the good news

The National Cancer Institute recently declared that the U.S. cancer rate fell for diagnosed women between 2006-2015. Also, the FDA approved an at-home genetic testing kit for women to assess whether they carry any of the three gene mutations associated with breast cancer. Oncoplastic surgery, another positive option, is a surgical "two-fer" allowing the removal of cancerous breast tissue immediately followed by the re-sculpting of the breast's remaining tissue, restoring symmetry and a more natural appearance.

Yes, just like my auntie who luckily can detect it at early stage and she removes the cancer tissue on her first operation. But too bad cancer tissue rise again, then she did a second operation where she remove all her breast, and today she is healthy again. So, it is important to do self check up and screening woman because it can prevent you to go to next step you will wish you never had in your life.

And again let's support any campaign during this Pink October and spread the awareness about this to others.

Source : Newsbeezer NationalToday