Breast Cancer Awareness Month
by Premier Hospitals | October 12, 2018 |
Let's start with a few facts on Breast Cancer...
- Breast Cancer is the most common type of cancer in Indian women.
- Only 66% of breast cancer victims survive the chronic disease.
- A significant percentage of breast cancer cases are not diagnosed until they reach an advanced stage.Hence, there is a strong need to observe a Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And it so happens that October has been chosen as the month where we "Think Pink" for Breast Cancer every year.
So, What is it that we need to be aware of?
Discussing our sexuality is still taboo in many parts of India; and by extension, so is talking about breasts. Superstitions and the moral policing in these areas are such that women would prefer death and suffering rather than talk about it.
But that is not a healthy thing to do. While we value tradition and respect privacy, health cannot be compromised on these excuses. We need to stop hiding behind falsely placed moral boundaries and come out to discuss burning issues like breast cancer, because your bold step could be the difference between life and death for someone. Let's make a vow that we will together spread awareness to our women, our families and our community about the dangers of allowing breast cancer to go unnoticed.
So, how does one go about it?
The international symbol of showing solidarity towards the fight against breast cancer is to wear a pink ribbon. But that will not make any sense to those who do not know much about it. A better way could be to wear a badge for breast cancer awareness. This way, people might understand and appreciate it enough to join the cause.
If you wish to be more actively involved, you could spread awareness among the people you see around you - your own family members, neighbours, colleagues, peer group, or even a school nearby. The things that you must educate people on are:
- Encourage women to talk about their health.
- Encourage women to go for regular health check ups or consult an expert if they feel anything unusual.
- Educate people around you about the self-analysis of breast cancer or the lump test where they can keep a regular check on any existence, or sudden or gradual development of lumps in breasts.
- Make conversations to bust myths like only women can have breast cancer. Men are also vulnerable to breast cancer.
- Share related information on social media platforms. If you are a survivor or a victim yourself, share a detailed account of your experience. This will encourage and inspire those who read your story.
About The Doctor:
    MBBS, MD, DGO