Here’s how ZeaMed prevents breast cancer among women: Pink October
According to WHO, at least 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breastcancer in 2020. It is indeed the second most common cancer among women in the USA. Breast cancer is curable if the diagnosis happens in the initial stage else it becomes complex leading to death. Knowledge of breast cancer symptoms is essential for both men and women. However, a significant mass in middle and low income countries are still unaware of breast cancer and its treatment. Awareness starts with prevention. Therefore, we celebrate October as BreastCancer Awareness month. In the United States, it is a month-long campaign almost like an awareness drive where physicians discuss myths and facts about breast cancer.
ZeaMed aims to make healthcare accessible and transparent in every way leaving no effort to create awareness for diseases. This October, ZeaMed presents before you the A-Z of breastcancer; its prevention and treatment.
The history behind Pink October
Turning back the pages of history, we will find that the USA was the first country, to begin with, an organised breast cancer awareness campaign. The very first campaign was held in October 1985 by the joint venture of the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries Pharmaceuticals.
This marked the beginning of a necessary campaign and awareness drive. Now, hospitals, healthcare centres, NGOs, Non-profit organisations etc. initiates several campaigns.
How can we prevent breast cancer?
Well, it’s not mathematics and you won’t get similar results! Human bodies are different and react differently according to the environment. Therefore, it is difficult to say whether doing certain things would prevent breast cancer.
To make it easy, let’s say that certain diseases are beyond human control. A non-smoker can get affected with lung cancer too! On the contrary, some alcoholics may never develop symptoms of liver cirrhosis.
Well, there is one thing which can make a great difference and prevent diseases. It is none other than screening. One can prevent a number of diseases by screening early and going for regular checkups. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being updated can keep diseases at an arm’s length. Believe me or not, this is the golden rule and it works!
Similarly, breastcancer can be prevented by going for regular screening. The ones who are likely to have breast cancer must be extra cautious about their health. They should religiously visit their physicians and follow their advice.
ZeaMed’s team of oncologists are here to educate men and women about preventing breast cancer. Let us update ourselves and fight breast cancer and its symptoms.
What is breastcancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which the breast cells start multiplying at an unusual rate. A breast is made up of lobules, ducts and connective tissues. Breast cancer can begin in any part of the breast however it usually begins in the ducts or lobules. There are mainly two types of breast cancer-
- Invasive ductal carcinoma: In this, the cancer cells start spreading outside the ducts. This is deadly as it spreads quickly to other parts of the breasts and even the body.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma: In this type of breast cancer, cancer begins within the lobules and then spreads to other breast tissues. Invasive breast cancer can also spread to other body parts.
What are the common symptoms of breastcancer?
This is what we need to be aware of in order to prevent breast cancer. Women, in general, tend to neglect their health which aggravates the problem. In middle and low-income countries the situation is even worse. There are practically no awareness campaigns and even if there are any people fail to take it seriously.
In some low-income countries, there is 1 pathologist for 9,264,500 patients. In several sub-Saharan African countries, women are diagnosed with Stage III and IV breast cancer. Well, this doesn’t mean by any way that developed countries are at a lower risk of breast cancer. It is a global problem and needs to be addressed globally.
Meanwhile, let us look at the symptoms of breast cancer-
- A thick lump that feels different from the nearby tissue.
- A sudden change in the size, appearance and shape of the breast.
- Dimpling on the skin near the breast.
- Scaling, peeling, flaking of the pigmented area near the nipple.
- Redness of the breast
Who is at risk for breastcancer?
Breast cancer is non-communicable and is not caused by pathogens. A significant number of breast cancer happens in cases where there is no identifiable risk factor other than gender. However certain factors definitely multiply the risk of breast cancer in women.
- Breast cancer increases with age.
- Women have the tendency to develop breast cancer more than men.
- A history of disrupted breast conditions like a previously found lobular carcinoma in situ.
- A genetic breast cancer history can multiply your risk. However, most women develop breast cancer with no genetic history of it.
- If a person had cancer in one breast, the chances of developing cancer in the other breast increase.
- Genetic mutations can lead to breast cancer in women. BRCA1 and BRCA2 have a high chance of increasing breast cancer risk in women. A positive BRCA means that there is an increased risk of breast cancer.
- Obesity is one of the leading causes of breast cancer.
- Early menstruation and late menopause.
- Postmenopausal hormone therapy
- Having a late pregnancy after 30-35 increases the chance of breast cancer.
- Women who have never been pregnant might develop chances for breast cancer.
- Excessive smoking and drinking is one of the leading causes of cancer, precisely breast cancer in the 21st century.
Prevention is better than cure:
How can I prevent breastcancer?
The internet is flooded with this question and almost every second person is keen to know. ZeaMed encourages you to look into some authentic sites for trusted information related to any medical condition. Inadequate and incorrect information can lead to serious medical issues.
ZeaMed is by far the most trusted health site for authentic information. We publish transparent prices of healthcare services. If you are looking for a discounted price on bread cancer screening, keep reading below. Meanwhile, let us understand how we can prevent breast cancer.
- Go for regular screening
You should discuss with your doctor breast cancer and its screening. Women above 30-35 must go for breast cancer screening after consulting with the doctor. Your doctor will advise you on a breast mammogram. It depends whether you have to go for a single breast mammogram or the other.
If you are looking for details on breast mammograms, click here. ZeaMed offers a discounted price for mammogram tests. Avail ZeaPearl and get the discounted mammogram cost.
- Self-breast examination
Women must become familiar with their breast shape, size and structure. They must know how to self examine breasts. Look for any new changes in the breast as in the appearance of a lump or discolouration.
Breast awareness and self-screening can help you a long way in prevention.
- Limit alcohol consumption
Severe alcohol consumption can deteriorate health conditions, especially for a woman. Therefore, you must limit alcohol.
- Exercise daily and maintain a healthy weight.
Men and women must exercise daily to keep diseases at arm’s length. Exercising for 30 minutes every day will keep you fit. You must consult a doctor and ask for the types of exercises you can start depending on your health condition.
Maintaining a healthy weight is the key to good health. Obesity attracts a number of diseases, even breast cancer. Taking optimum carbs is necessary for maintaining a healthy weight.
- Postmenopausal hormone therapy
At times, post-menopausal hormones can increase the risk of breast cancer among women. Doctors advise patients to go for lower doses of hormones. However, consult a doctor thoroughly before any such therapies. Feel free to ask about the risks of such hormone therapies.
- A healthy diet
Health is all about the food we eat on a daily basis. Having a proper combination of all the healthy foods is necessary for well being. Taking the right amount of every nutrient is important for healthy growth. One must choose seasonal fruits and vegetables and reduce the consumption of unhealthy fat. Foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fat and zinc are the key to good health. Try consulting ZeaMed’s expert panel for professional guidance on meal plans. Click here for a weight reduction strategy.
Breastcancer myths busted!
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. It is more dangerous when it comes to health conditions. At times we tend to neglect a minor health issue due to a lack of information. As a result, this minor problem might give rise to incurable diseases.
We have listed below some common myths related to breast cancer-
- Breast cancer can only affect women.
Breast cancers can affect both men and women. However, women are more prone to breast cancers. 1 out of 100 men in the USA get breast cancer.
- Breast cancer happens only if there is a family history.
Anybody can have breast cancer as 70% of breast cancer patients have no family history.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will not result in breastcancer.
Although a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of breast cancer, there is no guarantee of complete safety. Women who have high-risk factors for breast cancer must maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Wearing improper undergarments can lead to breast cancer.
A few years back, people started claiming that wearing a brassiere or lingerie increases the risk of breast cancer. However, there is no such evidence of it. Well, wearing extremely tight fitted undergarments on upper body parts can restrict blood flow.
- Underarm antiperspirant causes breast cancer.
It is still not proven that antiperspirants cause breast cancer. However, prolonged use of antiperspirants can damage your skin’s natural ability to release sweat. Consult a doctor for details.
- Any lump on the breast indicates breast cancer.
Some women who have breastcancer do not feel an abnormal lump on their breasts. Breast cancer might not cause lumps when they develop.
- Breast cancer only happens to older women.
This is by far the greatest rumour! Young women aged 30-35 can have breast cancer too.
These were some of the trending myths related to breast cancer. If you wish to educate yourself a little more on breast cancer, feel free to consult ZeaMed. Our oncologists will provide you with the latest information on breast cancer.
This was all about breastcancer and its prevention. ZeaMed advises every man and woman to be aware of breast cancer and its prevention. Regular screening and mammograms are important for every woman above 35.
If you are looking for mammogram costs near you, click here. We are coming up with the complete details of cancer and ways to prevent it. Stay with us and keep reading our upcoming blogs.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/index.htm
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/what-is-breast-cancer.htm