October is Breast Cancer awareness month. This is the month when worldwide annual campaigns are carried out involving thousands of organisations, to highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness, education and research.
Every woman should understand and learn about the symtoms of breast cancer. When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the relative survival rate is 100%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.
If you are 50 to 74 years old, be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. Younger women too can get their check-ups done.
Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women and the second most common cancer overall.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancer makes up 25 percent of all new cancer diagnoses in women globally. Although breast cancer is thought to be a disease of the developed world, almost 50% of breast cancer cases and 58% of deaths occur in less developed countries.
Breast cancer is the only cancer that is considered universal among women worldwide. So being aware of the symptoms will go a long way in keeping yourself safe.
Blog By Chithra Prabhakaran
