October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is the perfect time to reflect on how common this disease is. Breast cancer can happen to people of any ethnicity and age: there are more than 230,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
According to the National Cancer Institute, “just under 60 percent of women who have breast cancer are age 50 or older.” In the Philippines, an estimated 31% of all female cancers were diagnosed as breast cancer.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breast. Breast cancer can affect both men and women, but it is most common in women. According to the Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for Filipino women.
There are two main types of breast cancer: invasive breast cancer and non-invasive breast cancer. Invasive breast cancer means that the cancer has spread from the milk duct or lobule where it began, to other parts of the breast. Non-invasive breast cancer means that the cancer is still contained within the milk duct or lobule.
Breast cancers can also be classified by how they look under a microscope. The three most common types are ductal carcinoma, lobular carcinoma, and inflammatory breast cancer.
Ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer. It begins in the milk ducts and grows into surrounding tissues. Lobular carcinoma begins in the milk lobules and also grows into surrounding tissues. Inflammatory breast cancer is a rarer form of breast cancer that occurs when malignant cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. This can cause the breast to become swollen, red, and warm to touch.
There are many risk factors for developing breast cancer, including age, family history, personal history of certain medical conditions, and lifestyle choices such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there are plenty of ways to get involved in the fight against this disease.
Breast cancer awareness has come a long way since its inception in 1985, when the first official awareness day was held in the United States. Today, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed internationally, with events and campaigns taking place throughout October to help raise funds for research, education, and patient support services.
There are many ways to get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are a few ideas:
- Wear pink during the month of October to show your support for breast cancer awareness and research efforts. You can also purchase pink ribbon products from retailers nationwide; a portion of the proceeds from these sales usually goes towards breast cancer charities.
- Donate directly to a breast cancer research or treatment organization such as the Philippine Cancer Society or Philippine Foundation for Breast Care.
- Educate yourself and others about breast cancer risks, detection, and treatment options.
- Learn more about how EVA works to educate yourself and others.
Different Types of Breast Cancer
There are several different types of breast cancer, each with its own characteristics and treatment options. The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which starts in the milk ducts and accounts for about 80% of all breast cancer cases. Other types of breast cancer include lobular carcinoma, which starts in the milk glands; inflammatory breast cancer, which causes the breast to appear red and swollen; and Paget’s disease, which affects the nipple and areola.
Treatment for breast cancer depends on the type of cancer, as well as its stage (how far it has spread). Surgery is often used to remove the tumor, and may be followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.
Causes of Breast Cancer
There are a variety of possible causes of breast cancer. Some of the most common include:
- Family history: If you have close relatives who have had breast cancer, you may be at increased risk.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing breast cancer.
- Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy: Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can slightly increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
- Birth control pills: Taking birth control pills can slightly increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
Prevention Methods for Breast Cancer
There are a few key things you can do to help prevent breast cancer. First, stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight. This will help to keep your hormone levels in check and reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Additionally, limit your alcohol intake and avoid smoking. These habits can increase your chances of developing the disease. Finally, make sure to get regular screenings and checkups.
Early detection is key when it comes to treating breast cancer. If you catch it early, you have a much better chance of beating it.
Making a Difference
The World Health Organization has designated October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while there are many worthy causes to support, this is one that hits close to home for many people.
There are many ways to get involved in the fight against breast cancer. One way is by donating to reputable organizations like the ones mentioned above. You can also participate in local breast cancer awareness events or fundraisers. But perhaps the most important way you can make a difference is by helping to spread the word about early detection and risk factors.
Educating yourself and others about breast cancer can be lifesaving. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer so that you can catch it early. And learning about risk factors can help you make lifestyle choices that may reduce your chances of developing the disease.
So this October, take some time to educate yourself and others about breast cancer. It’s a cause worth fighting for!
How EVA Teleconsult can help protect women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2022
EVA Teleconsult is always ready to attend to all forms of women’s cancer, including breast cancer. That’s because all of our patients always receive the following:
- Timely appointments – No more time wasted while waiting outside a doctor’s office. With us, appointments begin right when they’re supposed to, even if they’re made the same day.
- Guaranteed 30-minute consultation times – No more rushing or quickly dashed off prescriptions with no explanations. Our doctors take the time needed to give you information about your concerns, and are open to answering all your questions.
- 5-star ratings for our doctors – Because our doctors know to explain things in a way patients can understand, we frequently get positive feedback from them.
When it comes to breast cancer, early detection typically results in better outcomes. To learn more our teleconsult services in the Philippines, head over to our FAQs.
Get the treatment you or your loved one need and book an online consultation today.
