Breast Cancer Awareness Saves Lives

The human breast contains milk-producing ducts, and glands that transport lymph throughout the body. The majority of the breast is composed of fat tissue, though it is in these milk ducts that breast cancer usually develops. Breast cancer awareness is a big social issue in the U.S., and the medical community has come along way in responding to the public’s need for more advanced diagnosis and treatment options.

Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer awareness can save the life of you, a friend, or a family member. Through awareness and research, cancer rates are continually declining in the U.S. In fact, a woman is more likely to die from cardiovascular disease that all the other types of cancer combined. However, it is still important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that early treatment can be sought. Many treatments are available, and there is a high rate of survival if the cancer is detected at a relatively early stage.

Symptoms, Causes, and Breast Cancer Awareness

Monthly self-examinations to detect changes or lumps in the breast are highly recommended, as well as yearly clinical checks by your doctor. Starting at age 40, your doctor will probably recommend regular mammograms, which detect the presence of lumps or masses within the breast tissues.

There is no single great risk factor for getting breast cancer than being a woman. While men can and do get cancer in the breast glands, women are 100 times more likely to. Breast cancer awareness campaigns have done an excellent job of educating the nation’s female population about risk factors, which also include using birth control pills, smoking, aging, using hormone replacement therapy, and having a blood relative with a history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Treatments range from lump removal to complete breast removal, radiation to shrink the cancer or mass, and chemotherapy to kill the cancerous cells. Breast cancer awareness not only saves lives, but also helps educate those living with the disease on how to live a fulfilling and healthy life after detection, diagnosis, and treatment.