October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Month, and October 25th is celebrated as World Breast Cancer Day. These initiatives aim to raise awareness and educate women about early diagnosis and prevention. This important movement began in 1985 by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in the United States.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, with early detection being critical for effective treatment. It is recommended that every woman between the ages of 40 and 59 undergoes an annual clinical breast exam by a surgeon, mammography, and possibly a breast ultrasound. For women aged 60 to 69, a mammogram should be done every two years.
In addition to regular check-ups, a monthly breast self-exam after menstruation is a simple but essential practice that can help detect changes. If breast cancer is detected early, the cure rate can exceed 97%.
Risk factors for breast cancer include daily habits such as lack of exercise, poor diet, weight gain, alcohol consumption, smoking, as well as hereditary predisposition. Women with a family history of breast cancer, those with a history of benign breast conditions, as well as women who had their first pregnancy at an older age or experienced long-term hormone exposure, are at higher risk.
The most common symptoms include the appearance of a lump in the breast, changes in the skin, nipple, or breast size, and discharge from the nipple. However, these symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, and proper diagnosis can only be made by a specialist.
Prevention and early diagnosis save lives, so do not neglect your regular check-ups and take care of your health!
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