As the majority of us know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For a few years now, due to reasons very close to our hearts, my Mum and I have been meaning to host a fundraising event to raise money for cancer research. So yesterday we finally did it, and in a flurry of pink (and possibly enough sugar to send anyone diabetic) we managed to raise over AED 3000 for the cause!
As women, we need to be aware and understand what breast cancer is, signs and symptoms and what could happen if (God forbid) we were ever affected by this disease. There are 14 known types of breast cancer, including a small percentage found in men, and according to American statistics there are around 190000 new cases of invasive breast cancers and 60000 new cases of non-invasive breast cancers per year. It is well known that the earlier cancer is identified, the greater the chance of effective treatment and survival.
So what is breast cancer exactly? Cancer occurs when the genes that are responsible for regulating cell growth and health, take on mutations or abnormal changes. Usually, cell growth in the body is highly regulated by genes found within the nucleus (or control centre) of each cell, and basically as old cells die, new healthy cells are formed. However, mutations can 'switch-on' and 'switch-off' certain genes within a cell, that causes the cell to multiply and grow without any order, which can result in the development of a tumour. Breast cancer occurs when a malignant tumour develops within the breast cells, and begins in the cells of the lobules or ducts (the milk producing glands and passages that carry the milk to the nipples). However, less commonly it can form in the stromal tissues - the fatty and fibrous tissues in the breasts. Without identification and treatment, cancerous cells will travel to the nearby lymph nodes located under the armpits, which can result in further metastasising (or spreading) of cancer throughout the body. When someone refers to a 'stage' of breast cancer, they are describing how far in the body the cancer has travelled from the original tumour. 85 - 90% of breast cancer is caused by a genetic abnormality (or mistake in the genetic material) from the usual 'wear and tear' of life, but a small portion of cases (5 -10%) are linked to an abnormality inherited from your mother or father.
As no two people are ever the same, breast cancer symptoms are highly variant also. A monthly self-check should be done for women of all ages, and an annual mammogram and physical exam from a qualified doctor is recommended. As mentioned earlier, early detection is key. Look out for lumps or swelling, or changes to the skin, but often those affected have no symptoms at all.
So, how can we reduce our risk? Staying as healthy and happy as possible will help, although, as most of us know too well, cancer has no mercy and anyone can be affected. Studies have found that maintaining a healthy weight, by eating nutritious food and exercising regularly, can lower your risk. We all know that these two (seemingly) simple habits have the ability to make us feel great and function to our optimal. Limiting alcohol will help reduce the stress we put our bodies under and limit damage to cells. The consumption of alcohol has been found to increase the levels of oestrogen and other hormones associated with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in a number of studies. And obviously never smoking, or quitting immediately is one sure-fire way to not only reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, but also developing other cancers and diseases. I also believe that trying to maintain a productive, happy, positive and rewarding lifestyle can improve your overall health.
So for all of those who have battled breast cancer, those who have beaten it, those still going through it and remembering the brave who were beaten by it, share this post. Educate your daughters, sisters, mothers, aunties, cousins, friends. Because if we're aware, we will be cautious. Prevention is always better than cure, and early detection is the next best thing. Our donations will be used to help find a cure, and in the meantime, if I motivate just 1 woman to start checking herself, then I'll be happy.
Think Pink!
V x
