Every year over 250,000 women in the United States alone will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Essentially, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. Every October, awareness is brought to the forefront and communities across the country unite to support those who will have, currently have, or have lost their life to, breast cancer. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The History of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Beginning in 1985, with a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries, the goal of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been to promote mammography so that early detection can help reduce the amount of people that succumb to cancer.
The symbol of breast cancer is a pink ribbon, first worn by Evelyn Lauder, VP of the Estee Lauder companies, who adopted and wore the pink ribbon as a symbol of solidary for those that are fighting against the disease or those that have lost the fight against the disease.
Early Detection
Like any form of cancer, early detection is one of the best ways to fight against the disease. It is recommended that women between the ages of 50 and 74 get a breast cancer check every two years. The check includes what’s called a mammogram. During a screening, or mammogram, the breast is compressed and x-rays are taken from a technician from multiple angles.
Once the mammogram is completed, a certified physician studies the x-ray to determine if there are any areas that cause concern. Typically, cancer is found in the form of a small growth, or lump, within the breast itself. For this reason, it is recommended that women do a self-breast exam every now and again. Basically, feeling the breast for any lumps or abnormalities. If one is found, it is highly recommended that one visits a doctor as soon as possible.
Prevention
While taking preventative measures can’t eliminate the possibility of getting breast cancer, it can help to reduce the possibility and severity of the disease. One of the biggest methods of prevention is a healthy lifestyles. Studies have shown that women that maintain a healthy lifestyle are less prone to get breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, reducing or eliminating alcohol use, and eating enough foods with an assortment of vitamins and minerals, like leafy greens, etc.
How You Can Support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Helping to bring awareness by joining in the activities and events that happen all around the United States every October is one of the best ways to help. There are walks, races, donation fundraising, and other benefits that support breast cancer awareness and research.
Conclusion
If you believe that you have found a lump in your breast, get to a doctor as soon as you can. Early detection is the best way to reduce any overarching bad outcomes.
Bonaventure Senior Living
At Bonaventure Senior Living, we have Retirement Perfected, Living Perfected, Dining Perfected, and Fitness Perfected. The best way to see for yourself is to Book-A-Tour today and discover how you can live life on your own terms. We specialize in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, that way, no matter what your current situation is, we have all levels of care covered if your needs ever change.
Independent Living
With Independent Living, we want you to enjoy Simplified Living, allowing you to have the freedom to do what makes you happy. Our Independent Living is designed to accommodate the exceptional senior lifestyle that you’ve earned. What’s even better, is that with Independent Living we offer whatever supportive services that you may need at any time you may need them. Now that’s Retirement Perfected.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living at Bonaventure Senior Living is simple: all the lifestyle benefits of our Independent Living, but with any extra support that you may need. Our philosophy is based on three simple things: choice, independence, and dignity. Now that’s Assisted Living at its finest.
Memory Care
Every senior is a unique person, and our Memory Care approach is no different. We tailor our Memory Care by connecting with family members and taking time to understand each person’s specific circumstances. This includes mental, emotional, and physical health. Our Memory Care creates an honorable and professional plan to make sure that each person lives their life to the fullest. That’s the way Memory Care should be.
