With Breast Cancer Awareness month coming to an end, you may have seen various bits of advice flying around the web. From ways you can give back to this powerful community, to tips that help prevent breast cancer in yourself. The most common however, is the importance of early detection. Catching breast cancer in its early stages gives you a better chance chance for survival!

Early Detection Advice

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cell in the breast area. When the cells come together they form a tumor (lump) in your breast. Catching the lump early on would offer you the chance at the best outcome. According to the American Cancer Society, when the cells in the tumor begin to invade the surrounding tissue or spread into distant areas in the body, it has become cancerous (malignant). Once it reaches this stage, it becomes difficult to put a stop to the fast growing cells due to the volume that the cancer now covers.

The key to early detection would be self-check breast exams. Becoming familiar with your breasts, and being able to detect an abnormality may be the difference of life or death. Your 5 year survival rate shoots up to between 95-100%, if the lump is caught early.

You should perform this examination in the shower to begin. Moving your fingers in a circular motion, check for any lumps or hardening. Start from outside the breast, and work your way into the middle. Following the first step, you should take a visual look. Looking at your reflection, begin with your arms at each side, then continue by raising your arms over your head. You should be looking for any dimpling or puckering in the breast area. After looking in the mirror, lay down on the floor. Place a pillow under your shoulder and move your opposite hand in a circular motion across the breast. You should be using light, medium, and hard pressure. It is important to lay down because the breast tissue will spread out evenly against the chest wall. Finish the exam off by squeezing the nipple, checking for discharge.

Try to complete these 4 steps around the same time each month.

Treatment Options

Although there is no cure to this cancer, there are many treatments that can be chosen to best fit each patient’s unique case. Catching this disease early is the first step, however here is what comes after.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to deter the rapid growth of cancerous cells. Basically, Chemo discourages the ability of the cell to split and reproduce. There is many side effects that come along with this treatment, including fatigue, hair loss, and nausea. It is known to be very effective for some cancer patients, however, it can cause some issues with others. According to the American Cancer Society, research is still being done to eventually be able to determine which patient is best suited for this treatment. These findings will allow patients who react negatively to this treatment, to avoid it all together. Simultaneously, informing others that this is their best option!

Mastectomy

Many women choose to go the Mastectomy route, essentially cutting out the problem out all together. This can effect female patients in a whole new way. Undergoing an intense surgery can put a toll on a person. Patients have months of recovery after this surgery, with physical therapy surrounding various arm exercises to prevent any stiffness in the area. Many women have mental insecurities post surgery, and have trouble finding clothing suited for their new shape. As, their old clothing has become ill-fitting or uncomfortable. Acquiring more suitable bras and undergarments has proven to help post-surgery patients feel more comfortable. However, many choose to reconstruct their shape through plastic surgery. Mastectomies are a very effective form of treatment, however, patients should be aware that the surgery can ignite other problems down the road.

Hormone Therapy

Around 2 to 3 cancer patients respond positively to receiving hormone therapy. This treatment is mostly used post-surgery to help ensure the cancer will not come back. You even have the option to begin this treatment before the surgery has even taken place. Some of the hormone treatments block estrogen receptors, while others lower estrogen levels. Both with the same end goal of slowing, and ultimately stopping the growth of these dangerous cells. However, there are side effects that come along with this treatment as well. These include, hot flashes, bone fractures, potential susceptibility of heart disease, etc.

How Organizations Help the Cause

Communities all over the world have joined together with the common goal of finding the cure, and ending this disease. With 1 in every 8 women receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, it has the chance of affecting yourself, or someone close to you. Many different organizations offer practical and meaningful ways to contribute to this cause.

The Keep A Breast organization is just one example of an organization choosing a unique route to show support and to give back. With their belief that art heals, they developed a new way to spread awareness. They create a white cast sculpture of a woman’s bust who has been affected by breast cancer. They transform these casts into a work of art, and spread awareness around the self-love each women should feel. The casts can be found in homes, galleries, and private collections.

Save The Tata’s is another organization that strives to end this disease in a unique way. They use a sense of humor to fight a serious disease. Constantly partnering with clothing companies to create great merchandise with their known slogan, people spread awareness just by walking around! They even raised up to $5000 through the hashtag, #Relax4Tatas!

After the Month of October…

While a huge amount of the fundraising comes from the month of October, the cool thing about this month is the awareness it brings. Women become aware of how common this disease is, and the steps they can take to help themselves and others. However, this awareness should be spread across all 12 months of the year! Look into the organizations dedicated to this cause, and donate or volunteer throughout all seasons! You will only bring this community closer to the cure!

Comment below the company you plan on supporting this winter!