October is the month we set aside to raise awareness to breast cancer. Although there are still many unknowns about breast cancer, here are some things we do know:
Cancer is caused by damaged DNA cells that mutate. These cells can build up and form a mass of tissue, or tumor. Breast cancer occurs when malignant tumors develop in the breast.
1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, except for skin cancers.
On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.
Men can get breast cancer as well, although the percentage is small.
A healthy lifestyle may not prevent cancer, but it can help reduce some risks. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating fruits and vegetables, not smoking and limiting alcohol are all ways to create a healthy lifestyle.
There are many different treatment options that could include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
So much research is being done to help change the future of breast cancer. Scientists are learning more about what causes it, what treatments work the best, and how to help people affected by breast cancer. Raising awareness and support of this cancer is vital to the success and progress in finding a cure! That's why we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
What can you do? Find a reliable and trustworthy organization to donate to like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or National Breast Cancer Foundation. Start a fundraiser at your place of work, school, or community center. Find a organized race or fitness event that fundraises for breast cancer research. Donate your long hair to make wigs for cancer patients. Get creative and do something unique to raise awareness and support for breast cancer research!
