We all have heard of Breast Cancer, we even have an awareness month annually during this time of the month. Being a woman, I know I should be more involved with causes like this … but I wasn’t. Let’s be honest … most of us don’t pay much attention to things up until we ourselves or someone close happen to become involved. Cancer – that word alone is terrifying, yet we shrug it off thinking we’re healthy and we have nothing to worry about. I am like that … I’ve always been like that, up until I had the scare of my life last month.
Prior to everything else, I first became aware of Breast Cancer back in 2006 … sure I made some donations. But nothing as far as getting to know more about the cause and what else is there to be aware of despite the annual awareness dedicated for this deadly, vicious disease. Then last month I noticed this bump in my right breast. I shrugged it off and figured it could just be an insect bite … or possibly a rash. Then it started hurting. My husband then took me to the ER one afternoon that I just can’t bear the pain any longer. I didn’t know what to think. I resorted to my usual choice of torture … looking things up on google and comparing my symptoms to everyone else’s. As soon as the doctors came to check up on me I already concluded what I thought I may have … so when they cleared me for Breast Cancer I was more than relieved.
Despite being cleared, I still had to address the breast pain I was experiencing along with the lump. Apparently it was Breast Abscess. I asked if there’s any way to prevent it … there’s none. I figured I’d ask. If it was as easy as washing my Brassiere more often or taking certain vitamins I’d immediately change my habit and lifestyle. Except it wasn’t. Same with Breast Cancer, you can’t assume you’re safe just because you feel healthy, or that no one in your family / relatives have or had the disease.
Aside from the usual self-examination, I always believe in the saying “Prevention is Better than Cure” … and in my personal opinion having a reliable insurance is the best way to go about on things relating to health. That way, no matter what happens you can guarantee that you got your health covered. For this awareness, Aflac is partnering again with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) for its second “This Duck Wears Pink” campaign. In fact, Aflac is selling a variety of campaign-related merchandise including the plush duck, hats as well as a breast cancer ribbon pin, with all the net proceeds going to the AACR for the specific purpose of funding research aimed at finding a cure for breast cancer.
#ThisDuckWearsPink
Facts About Breast Cancer!
Breast Health Education: What You Should Know!
Early detection is key
– Even as the second most common cancer among women in the United States, millions of women are surviving breast cancer thanks in part to early detection and improvements in treatment.
– The goal of screening exams for breast cancer is to find cancers before they start to cause symptoms (like a lump that can be felt). Screening refers to tests and exams used to find a disease, such as cancer, in people who do not have any symptoms.
– Breast cancers that are found because they are causing symptoms tend to be larger and are more likely to have already spread beyond the breast. In contrast, breast cancers found during screening exams are more likely to be smaller and still confined to the breast.
The American Cancer Society recommends the following for early breast cancer detection in women without breast symptoms:
– Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
– Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional preferably every 3 years.
Breast self-exam (BSE) is also an option for women starting in their 20s.
Needless to say, after last month I am a completely different woman. I see things in a whole different perspective and I sure do wish that we can all try to take some time off our hands to learn more about causes and not just share about it. Feel free to share any questions or possible suggestions you may have using the comment box below. It would be my pleasure to read your thoughts and perspective.
What do you think?