Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October

I am changing somewhat my favorite subjects, that are travels as you know, to talk to you about something that is close to my heart. In October, and every year, is organized the month to raise awareness about breast cancer. I feel concerned because my two grandmothers had it and one is no longer there to talk about it with me. And I think we can all feel concerned, woman as man, whether we know someone who has/had it or not.

By yourself or with a specialist: get tested!

I do not claim to be a specialist and my knowledge in the field is limited, but if, by writing this article, I can learn and raise awareness, I win everything.

It's also why, all the information I give that is written in italics comes from the website of the World Health Organization (WHO).

There are about 1.38 million new cases (in women, as in men) and 458 000 deaths from breast cancer each year (IARC Globocan, 2008). Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in the developed and developing countries.

Currently there is not sufficient knowledge on the causes of breast cancer, therefore, early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. When breast cancer is detected early, and if adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured.

In order to know it is necessary to resort to a screening.It consists of testing women to identify cancers before any symptoms appear. Various methods have been evaluated as breast cancer screening tools, including mammography, clinical breast exam and breast self-exam.

Source: WHO - Breast cancer

A little bit more information about the self-exam, WorldWide Breast Cancer Association ran a campaign under the hashtag #KnowYourLemons to show women how to detect the symptoms themselves.

#KnowYourLemons campaign

To write this article I read a lot of testimonials where women said they realized their cancer through self-examination. Of course, this does not prevent consulting a specialist, but it is useful! If you feel pain, a strange size when you squeeze your chest, even if it's light, talk to a professional immediately.

As I said, October is the month for breast cancer awareness. So talk about it, talk about it, talk about it, make a donation if you can, but do not wait to make an appointment with your doctor if you have any doubt.

The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness