October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2025-10-01 08:20:00, Sociale CNA

October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month worldwide, to increase attention and support for awareness, early detection, treatment, and palliative care of this disease.

Breast cancer information is provided annually to raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of breast cancer in women and girls across the globe.

Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases in women worldwide, with about 2.3 million new cases diagnosed each year, according to the World Health Organization.

Recognizing the early signs is essential for early detection and successful treatment of this disease.

One of the first signs that may be noticed is a sudden change in the size or shape of the breasts. This includes swelling, sagging, or sudden asymmetry. Women should be aware of any such changes and consult their doctor as soon as possible.

The presence of a mass in the chest or armpit area is another alarming sign.

These masses are often firm and may be fixed or movable under the skin. Regular self-examination can help identify these changes at an early stage.

Breast cancer is a tumor that develops from the cells of the breast itself.

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the breast tissue. These cells clump together and form a tumor, which presses on, spreads, and destroys normal breast tissue. Without treatment, these cells spread to nearby areas and then throughout the body.

Know the risk

No one knows the true cause of breast cancer, or whether breast cancer has a single cause or not. It is known that some people are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. It is known that certain factors seem to increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Every woman is at risk for breast cancer.

Risk factors for breast cancer are:

-Having had breast cancer before;

-Family history of breast cancer (especially with mother, sister or daughter) diagnosed before menopause;

-Genetic changes present with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes;

-Family history of ovarian cancer;

-Women who have not given birth to children or who had their first birth at an age over 30;

-Menstruation at a very early age, before 12 years old;

-Menopause after age 50;

-Use of hormone therapy (estrogen + progesterone) for a long time, more than 5 years;

-Increased breast tissue density (visible on a mammogram);

-A history of a breast biopsy showing an increased number of abnormal cells that are not cancerous (atypical hyperplasia);

-Radiation treatment of the breast surface, especially before the age of 30, e.g., treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma;

-Overweight and obesity, especially during menopause;

-Alcohol use;

-Smoking;

-Taking oral contraceptives without a doctor's supervision;

-Diet and foods rich in animal fats;

- Lack of physical activity.

Attention! About 70% of breast cancer cases occur in women who do not have factors that increase the risk of developing breast cancer!

Reduce your risk

You can't change most of the risk factors for breast cancer, like your family history or starting menstruation at a very young age, but what you can easily do is change some factors, like your weight or the diet you consume.

To reduce your risk…

• Maintain and maintain a healthy body weight;

• Perform physical activity regularly;

• Consume low-fat foods;

• Eat vegetables and fruits;

• Do not consume alcohol;

• Consult your doctor about using contraceptives;

• Do not smoke and avoid passive smoking;

• Use breastfeeding for your child;

• Talk to your doctor about assessing your risk;

Ask your doctor about breast exams offered in the city you live in. Consult with the doctor at your health center for any information you need to know.

This information can help you understand more about breast cancer and what you can do to reduce your risk of this disease./ CNA