Breast Cancer Awareness Month: 2023

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Breast cancer awareness month is the focus of Sun, Oct 1, 2023 – Tue, Oct 31, 2023. It is one of the most common cancers among Nepalese women, so awareness is being raised for it. To effectively communicate about this disease, your organization may benefit from this awareness month campaign. People, corporations, and communities have gathered every October since 1985 to support the millions of people affected by breast cancer. The month of Breast Cancer Awareness provides an opportunity to reflect, give back, or celebrate. Many people are also reminded of the many lives lost to this disease during awareness Month.

Different parts of the breast can be affected by breast cancer. A breast is an organ situated above the rib cage and chest muscles. There are left and right breasts with glands, ducts, and fatty tissue. During childbirth, women’s breasts produce milk and deliver it to their babies and newborns. The size of a breast will differ depending on how much fat there is. There are several parts to the breast:

• Lobules

• Ducts

• Nipple

• Fat and connective tissue

• Blood vessels and lymph vessels.

When did Breast Cancer Awareness Month Start?

An Imperial Chemical Industries-American Cancer Society partnership was formed in 1985 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As part of the AstraZeneca company, Imperial Chemical Industries manufactures breast cancer drugs. This campaign encouraged women to get mammograms, but it has since expanded to address treatment, research, and funding issues.

Why is it Important to Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

The purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, treatments, and cure. Public education is an important aspect of awareness. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, campaigns are promoting awareness of breast cancer symptoms and prevention strategies, including self-examinations, proper screenings, and the importance of mammograms. New, effective treatment options and surgeries for breast cancer patients are also highlighted during the month, including those that are in development or are not widely known.

To continue developing new therapies and targeted treatments that have improved outcomes, reduced mortality rates, and given hope to patients, researchers organize different activities throughout the month to raise funds. The most important aspect of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is showing support and solidarity to those who are affected by the disease, as well as celebrating those who have overcome it.

What Can You Do to Raise Awareness about Breast Cancer?

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can donate, volunteer, or raise funds. To raise awareness and get people talking, many schools or workplaces have a “Wear Pink” day for people to wear pink as much as possible. An important conversation can be started by simply wearing a pink ribbon.

Raise funds:

Breast cancer research is funded by numerous large corporations, but you can also participate in fundraisers organized by local organizations. Online fundraising or virtual fundraising has become popular in recent years. It is even possible to start your fundraiser. Plan a talent show, auction, or quiz night, or partner with a bigger organization to hold a raffle or bake sale. If you want to help, there are many ways to do so.

Run or walk:

Throughout October, different running or walking events are organized to raise money and raise awareness for breast cancer. Depending on where you live, you may be able to participate in local races.

Donate:

There are breast cancer organizations where you can donate directly. It makes a difference whether a donation is one-time or recurring because every penny counts towards fighting breast cancer in the community.

Become a volunteer:

It’s not just in October that we should support those with breast cancer. Getting involved with breast cancer organizations, nonprofits, or clinics may be possible for you. Supporting patients, survivors, loved ones, and medical professionals can be as simple as volunteering your time and energy.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the Context of Nepal?

Nepalese women are more likely to suffer from breast cancer than other malignancies. The diagnosis of breast cancer at late stages is common in countries with low resources, such as Nepal, where women may not receive adequate treatment for pain or palliative care. It is difficult to prevent breast cancer in Nepal due to socioeconomic disparities and a lack of financial resources. Anyone can be affected by breast cancer at any age. More than one-quarter of women diagnosed each year are under the age of 50, although the disease is more prevalent in women aged 60 and older. Breast cancer can also occur in men, although it is rare.

Most people know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. To improve detection, treatment, and survival rates for breast cancer, we must raise awareness about the disease. It is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which gives us a chance to raise awareness about the disease and how it impacts our community. Even though most of us are aware of the disease, we often fail to take the necessary steps to detect it at an early stage and encourage others to do the same.

Make a difference by going pink:

Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the color pink is synonymous with the cause. The month of October is the perfect time to think about organizing a fundraiser or supporting one of the many organized activities in your community.

For the month of October, transform your brand into pink:

Turning your logo and brand pink for the month of October is one of the most effective and easiest ways to raise breast cancer awareness. When you turn your brand pink and share it on social media channels, you help raise awareness and promote a conversation with friends and family about why breast cancer needs more attention. In support of the campaign, some of the world’s biggest brands go pink every year.

Make your employees aware of breast cancer by organizing an event:

Promote awareness and Breast Self Examination among your employees through a breast cancer virtual event. After the event, participants will have the opportunity to ask doctors questions. In Nepal, breast self-examination is the most common method of detecting cancer. Your company will be able to demonstrate its care for its employees by organizing a virtual event.

Fundraise and organize Pink day:

There is always room for a bit more color in any workplace, and pink is a perfect choice. Organize a day when everyone wears pink to work and donates.

When to Consult a Breast Cancer Oncologist in Nepal?

If you have a strong feeling about breast cancer, you can go for a consultation with an oncologist, either a surgical oncologist or a medical oncologist. Your breast cancer treating doctor will then check thoroughly and help you during each of the steps of your treatment. As per the top surgical oncologist in Nepal Dr. Kapendra Shekhar Amatya, it is best to consult with your breast cancer surgeon as soon as possible to know whether or not you have breast cancer. It will also help you in your treatment procedures.

Breast Cancer Myths vs. Facts

Misinformation about breast cancer abounds, leading to unnecessary anxiety and confusion. Let’s clear the air:

• Myth: Only women get breast cancer.
  • Fact: While breast cancer is more common in women, it can affect men as well.
• Myth: If you have no family history, you won’t get breast cancer.
  • Fact: Most people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
• Myth: Antiperspirants and underwire bras cause breast cancer.
  • Fact: There’s no scientific evidence to support these claims.

Personal Stories of Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast cancer can be a frightening and challenging journey, but many individuals have come through it with strength and resilience. According to the American Cancer Society, there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone. Their stories serve as beacons of hope for others facing this diagnosis. We encourage you to seek out these stories to gain inspiration and insight.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection can make all the difference in the treatment and survival of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that when breast cancer is detected at an early, localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. However, this rate drops to 27% for advanced-stage breast cancer. Mammograms, clinical breast exams, and regular self-exams are vital tools in detecting breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. Remember, the earlier it’s detected, the higher the chances of successful treatment.

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