The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Welcome to CanCare’s blog. CanCare is an organization that works with cancer survivor volunteers to provide one-on-one emotional support to individuals living with cancer. Join us in supporting about Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
Each year in the United States, around 240,000 women face breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC). It's a challenging journey for many, but it's also a journey filled with hope!
It's heartening to know that events like Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as advancements in medical care and ongoing research are improving the odds and offering support to those facing breast cancer.
We encourage you to continue reading below to explore a wealth of helpful and inspiring information about breast cancer!
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What is Breast Cancer?
A breast has three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. Lobules make milk, ducts carry milk to the nipple, and connective tissue holds everything together.
Breast cancer is when cells in the breast start to grow uncontrollably. There are different types of breast cancer, depending on which breast cells become cancerous.
Most breast cancers start in the ducts or lobules. If breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body through blood or lymph vessels, it's called metastasis.
Types of Breast Cancer
The most common types of breast cancer are:
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: In this type, cancer cells start in the ducts but can move beyond them into other parts of the breast. They may also spread to other parts of the body.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Cancer begins in the lobules and can spread to nearby breast tissues and other parts of the body.
There are also less common types like Paget's disease, medullary, mucinous, and inflammatory breast cancer. Equally important, another condition is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), which is not invasive. It means that the cancer cells are only found in the lining of the ducts and have not spread to other parts of the breast.
Positive Breast Cancer Statistics
Breast cancer is a diagnosis that brings a wave of emotions, concerns, and questions. While the journey through breast cancer can be challenging, it's important to know that there are many reasons for hope and positivity.
- Survival and Hope: Many women diagnosed with breast cancer not only survive but also lead fulfilling lives. About 90% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States are still living five years after diagnosis, giving them hope for a bright future.
- Early Detection Matters: The key to a positive outcome often lies in early detection. When breast cancer is found early, it can be less aggressive and easier to treat. In fact, if caught at a localized stage, almost everyone has a good chance of beating it!
- Improved Treatments: Thanks to advances in medicine, breast cancer treatment has come a long way. Some patients can now benefit from personalized treatment plans that are more effective and less invasive, allowing them to maintain a better quality of life during their journey to recovery.
- Continued Progress: The world's growing awareness and investment in breast cancer research are making a real difference. More insights and better therapies are being developed every day, offering hope for an even brighter future for breast cancer patients.
Keep in mind, each person's experience with breast cancer is unique, but these positive aspects show that there's reason for hope and strength in the face of the challenge.
The History of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries' pharmaceutical business teamed up to launch the first Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985. Betty Ford, a breast cancer survivor herself, assisted in launching the week-long event. She received her diagnosis while her husband, Gerald Ford, was president of the United States, which increased awareness of breast cancer.
In the beginning, Breast Cancer Awareness Month aimed to empower women by educating them about breast cancer. It also focused on early detection testing to help women take control of their breast health. Another one of their main objectives was to promote consciousness of mammograms as a key tool in the treatment against
In more recent years, businesses and sports leagues have teamed up to increase awareness throughout the month. All of which has helped fundraising efforts to improve care and aim towards hopefully one day destroying the disease.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Facts: The Pink Ribbon
Most everyone is familiar with the pink ribbon that appears during the month of October, but where did it originate from? The pink ribbon came to life back in 1992, thanks to Estée Lauder cosmetics. They gave away 1.5 million of them and deemed the pink ribbon as the visual reminder of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Also, the NFL has become one of the largest supporters of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Coaches, players, and referees across the league wear a pink ribbon and other attire every October to show their support!
What You Can do for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Are you wanting to show support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month but not sure how? We’ve laid out just a few of many ways you can help.
- Educate yourself and others by seeking out information about breast cancer. Healthcare providers are best when it comes to the most reliable and accurate information.
- Attend an Event: Participate in local awareness events organized during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These events serve as platforms to spread knowledge, provide support, and unite the community around a common goal.
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- Post on your social media to help spread awareness about breast cancer or share your personal story.
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- Donate to organizations like CanCare, where we help those facing breast cancer and other types of cancer.
Contact our CanCare team for more information.
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Get Emotional Support with CanCare
Get emotional support with CanCare during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as any other month.
No one living with breast cancer should have to face it by themselves. The cancer support community at CanCare consists of volunteer survivors that can provide you the emotional support you may need. We also know that cancer caregivers need support sometimes, too!
Our mission is to match those facing breast cancer and other cancers with a survivor who has faced the same kinds of challenges. So, if you’re searching for a community that can offer one-on-one emotional support while facing cancer, look no further. CanCare can help!
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Volunteer Opportunities With CanCare
Volunteering with CanCare offers individuals the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of breast cancer patients and their families. As a volunteer, you can provide a listening ear, offer comfort, and serve as a source of hope and inspiration for those facing the challenges of breast cancer. By becoming a CanCare volunteer, you join a community of compassionate individuals who understand the unique journey of cancer firsthand. You'll have the chance to share your own experiences, providing a sense of understanding and empathy to breast cancer patients and their loved ones.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month FAQs
1. Why is Breast Cancer Awareness Month important?
This month is crucial because it empowers us to make a positive impact. By increasing awareness, we can educate more people about the significance of early detection, potentially saving lives and working towards a future free of breast cancer.
2. How can I help reduce my risk of breast cancer?
You have the power to reduce your risk through a positive lifestyle. By staying active, making nutritious choices, and avoiding harmful habits, you can proactively protect your health and embrace a vibrant, joyful life. Check out our blog about Breast Cancer Prevention tips!
3. Who should get a mammogram, and how often?
Mammograms are a tool of empowerment. Discussing your screening schedule with your healthcare provider ensures that you are taking proactive steps toward maintaining your health and well-being.
4. Why is the Pink Ribbon a symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness?
The pink ribbon is a symbol of unity and hope. It signifies our collective commitment to supporting those affected by breast cancer and to advancing research that leads us closer to a cancer-free world.
5. Are men also at risk for breast cancer?
Yes, men are also at risk for breast cancer. While it is less common in men than in women, breast cancer can affect anyone. Being aware of the risk empowers men to take proactive steps toward their health, including self-examinations and seeking medical attention if they notice any unusual changes in their breast tissue.