Breast Cancer Awareness Month - October 2024

This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Mitchelle A. Engineer, Consultant – Breast Surgical Oncology, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad.

Table of Contents

• When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrated?
• Why is Breast Cancer Awareness Day Important?
• Various Presentations of Breast Cancer and Their Impact:
• Breast Cancer Awareness Tips to Know on this Breast Cancer Awareness Day
• How to Maintain Breast Health: Habits to Adopt
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions
• References
• Author Bio

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an awareness initiative that takes place every year. This worldwide campaign primarily aims to educate individuals about breast cancer, the risk factors associated with it, its key symptoms and signs, and the importance of early detection. It is a month aimed at sharing information, celebrating survivors, and gathering funds for research to develop better treatment approaches against breast cancer.

When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrated?

October is the dedicated month for celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness, during which breast cancer survivors, breast cancer patients, support groups, healthcare organizations, researchers, philanthropists, health activists, and others unite to fight against breast cancer and spread awareness.

Throughout the four weeks, events like charity walks, educational meetings, and assistance programs are held to remind women to prioritize their breast health through healthy lifestyle habits and regular breast cancer screening.

Why is Breast Cancer Awareness Day Important?

International Breast Cancer Awareness Day is celebrated on October 19th every year. The most common cancer in the world among females is breast cancer, and the most common cancer among females leading to mortality is also breast cancer in the majority of countries, including India. The incidence of breast cancer is increasing every year, and so is mortality. So, celebrating both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Day is crucial for the following reasons:

1. Educating More People About Breast Cancer

Everyone, irrespective of their gender, should learn about breast cancer. Since men can also get breast cancer, every individual needs to be aware of different symptoms, signs, risk factors, and preventive measures associated with breast cancer. This awareness can help one take charge of their breast health and prevent advanced-stage breast cancers.

2. Promoting Early Detection of Breast Cancer

As mentioned already, breast cancer awareness promotes early detection, which is crucial for timely treatment and successful health outcomes.

3. Breaking the Stigma Around Breast Cancer

Although much better than before, breast cancer and those diagnosed with it are still surrounded by a certain stigma that affects the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of those affected by it. Breast cancer awareness can help remove that stigma, bring inclusivity within the community, and help people understand the struggles that cancer patients go through and why it is important to stand by them in whatever way possible.

4. Raising Funds for Breast Cancer Research

Since it is one of the most common cancers in the world with increased mortality, there are thousands of clinical studies and trials happening to develop newer diagnostic and treatment approaches and novel drugs that will get us one step closer to the prevention and optimal cure of the disease. During breast cancer awareness month, many organize fundraising events, which encourage people to donate money for breast cancer research that could save millions of lives battling this condition across the globe.

5. Standing in Solidarity with Breast Cancer Warriors

Often, breast cancer patients feel alone and dejected. Letting them know that they are not alone and making them feel supported can help them navigate their cancer journey with a sense of hope. Observing breast cancer awareness can help society show its support to breast cancer warriors through various initiatives.

Various Presentations of Breast Cancer and Their Impact:

Knowing the various presentations of breast cancer may take away the mist from the illness and assist in understanding its symptoms and effects.

Breast Cancer May Present Mainly in Two Forms: Invasive and Non-Invasive:

Invasive Breast Cancer: Cancer of this form spreads beyond the site of its origination (either from the breast ducts or lobules), i.e., into the surrounding breast tissue, lymph nodes, and other parts of the body. The prognosis is better if cancer is detected in its early stages.

Non-Invasive Breast Cancer: It does not breach the basement membrane and remains within the ducts and lobules of the breast, and there is no spread in the lymph nodes or other areas of the body. Non-invasive breast cancers, including Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) and Paget’s disease, can convert to invasive breast cancers if ignored and not treated on time. It is also termed Stage 0 of breast cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

It becomes difficult to detect breast cancer early as it is painless, to begin with, so most patients tend to ignore it and are also not aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Learning about them, however, could save lives.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer are as follows:

• Painless breast lump
• Blood-stained nipple discharge
• Nipple inversion (turning inwards), displacement
• Scaling or flaking skin around the nipple
• Hardness, swelling, or redness over the breast
• Changes in skin texture, sometimes described as “orange peel” skin due to small indentations, small nodules, etc.
• Swelling in the axilla or neck

The above may also be seen in benign conditions, but it is important to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Awareness Tips to Know on this Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Breast Self Examination Test

Breast self-examination, or BSE, is an easy, non-invasive way to monitor breast health at home. Women should do their BSE monthly, usually a week after menses when the breast swelling and tenderness (due to the hormonal influence) have settled down.

For women who have entered menopause, examination should be done on a fixed date every month. Here’s how to perform one:

• Step 1 - Visual Inspection: This can be done by standing in front of the mirror and undressing up to the waist in the presence of good light. To see for any abnormality on the breast with your hands by the side, then put your hands on the hips with firm pressure and then lift the arms straight next to the ears.
• Step 2 - Physical Examination while Standing in Front of the Mirror: Feel the breasts circularly from outwards to the center or from center to outwards with the palmar aspect of the fingers (not with the tips) and feel for any lump or any other abnormality. During this process, one should even keep an eye on any fluid discharge from the nipple. The examination should be done up to the collarbone above and below, up to the inferior crease of the breast, up to the central chestbone, and up to the axilla on the side. Even the axilla and the neck should be palpated for any swelling.
• Step 3 - The same examination should be done while lying down on the bed.

By BSE, one will be able to identify changes in the breast early at home because of better acquaintance with them. Nevertheless, a breast self-examination is not a substitute for a clinical breast examination by a doctor and medical tests such as a mammogram.

2. Clinical Breast Examination

A clinical breast examination is something that the doctor may do while you are going through your normal check-up. This involves manually checking your breasts for lumps or other abnormalities.

3. Mammograms

Women aged over 40 years should go for mammograms every year and maybe even earlier if they have family members with a history of breast cancer. This imaging test is one of the most effective screening tools for breast cancer detection at an early stage.

4. Breast MRI

In addition to mammograms, a breast MRI may be recommended for high-risk women, such as those having BRCA gene mutations or with a strong family history and also with dense breasts.

How to Maintain Breast Health: Habits to Adopt

Taking charge of your breast health is critical to lowering the breast cancer risk. Here are some things that can be done daily to achieve this:

Daily Practices to Maintain Breast Health

• Healthy Eating: Consuming a well-balanced diet comprising fruits, vegetables, low-fat proteins, and whole meal products will help one keep at a healthy weight, hence lowering the risk of breast cancer.
• Physical exercise: Engage in moderate exercise of about thirty minutes for five days a week, e.g., walking. It assists in regulating hormones and sustaining appropriate weight.
• Avoid Too Much Alcohol: Research has indicated that consumption of alcohol may heighten an individual’s chances of developing breast cancer. However, if you have to take alcohol, let it not be more than one drink per day.
• Stop Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of numerous types of cancers, including breast cancer. Quitting smoking can significantly improve overall health.
• Go for Medical Checkups: Ensure you visit your doctor for a proper examination as well as join others in fighting for women's rights against breast cancer.

HCG Cancer Centre, a leading cancer hospital in India, organizes several awareness talks, panel discussions, awareness drives, and more across the country during October. For more updates, we recommend you follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Conclusion

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is important globally so that people understand the importance of early detection and timely treatment, encourage and support breast cancer research, and stand strong by those fighting breast cancer. Participating in these awareness campaigns, understanding the risk factors, being mindful of different breast cancer symptoms, and seeking medical attention whenever necessary will help us put ourselves a step ahead of breast cancer.

References

Breast Cancer Awareness and Association with Frequency of Screening Among Women — China, 2020 - PMC

Breast Cancer Awareness Month | UICC

Breast Cancer Information | Susan G. Komen®

Breast cancer awareness, risk factors and screening practices among future health professionals in Ghana: A cross-sectional study

Dyspnea Management in Early Stage Lung Cancer: A Palliative Perspective - PMC

Cancer-related Fatigue in Lung Cancer: A Research Agenda: An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement

The Impact of Breast Awareness on the Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Young Women: A Systematic Review - PubMed

Lumbar Spine X-Ray as a Standard Investigation for all Low back Pain in Ghana: Is It Evidence Based? - PMC

About the Author

Author Bio : Dr. Mitchelle A. Engineer
Consultant – Breast Surgical Oncology
MBBS, MS (General Surgery)

Dr. Mitchelle A. Engineer is a highly skilled breast oncosurgeon with six years of experience in performing different types of breast cancer surgeries, including modified radical mastectomy, breast conservation surgery, and breast oncoplastic surgery. She is available for consultation at HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, a comprehensive cancer hospital in Ahmedabad. She completed her MBBS and MS in General Surgery at M.P. Shah Medical College in Gujarat. Dr. Mitchelle completed her HBNI fellowship in breast surgical oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. With a deep commitment to personalized care, Dr. Mitchelle charts individualized care plans for her patients based on their health profiles. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she is also involved in cancer research and aims to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of oncology.

To book an appointment with Dr. Mitchelle A. Engineer, please click here.