By Yousra Bachine
It’s October and you know what that means…Pink October is here! Pink October, also known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is the month of the year where we talk about breast cancer and get the opportunity to know more about it. Did you know that men can also get breast cancer? The discussion around breast cancer is still very much needed as we still discover facts about it today.
As a matter of fact, people around the world are more and more aware of breast cancer and most importantly of the actions to take in order to detect the disease earlier. However, in some parts of the world, people are not aware of breast cancer and all of its consequences, and how to prevent it.
Held every October, the campaign aims to raise awareness about cancer and increase funding for research to fight against cancer more efficiently every year; and to be able to discover new medical treatments to cure it.
The symbol of Pink October is the pink ribbon. The colour pink was chosen because it is “feminine, soft, joyous colour that symbolises good health – everything that cancer is not.
Many events across the globe are organised during the whole month of October. Events such as running races, auctions, or bra collections are organised. These initiatives are organised to bring together associations and health professionals to provide information on breast cancer detections, and to provide useful and updated information to people with breast cancer. Pink October helps considerably to raise funds for research into the causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of breast cancer.
At the Girls Grow Club we insist that everyone should participate in raising awareness about breast cancer. It is important to reduce the risk of getting the cancer and to be aware of the causes, the consequences and most importantly how to prevent it.
Our very first advice is to live a life that is healthy. Nothing is better than a healthy lifestyle to prevent not only breast cancer but any other illnesses. Here are nine pieces of advice that was recommended by French doctor, Eric Sebban; who dedicated his life to the study of cancers.
READ MORE: (https://www.docteur-eric-sebban.fr/cancer-du-sein/prevention/) and (https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-prevention-pdq#_12)
- Limit alcohol consumption: The latest research suggests that you should limit your alcohol consumption to one glass of wine per day, even small amounts increase the risk.
- Avoid smoking: A link between smoking and the risk of breast cancer, particularly in pre-menopausal women, has been identified.
- Control your weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, especially after the menopause.
- Be physically active: Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy body mass index, a factor that can limit your risk of breast cancer. For most healthy adults, we recommend 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic activity per week. Any type of cardio workout can do wonders for health but building muscle for your body is also great. Exercising and doing workouts is one of the best ways to have good health in the short run but also in the long run.
- Great news for the mother because breastfeeding is a good idea! Breastfeeding may play a role in preventing breast cancer. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective effect.
- Limit the dose and duration of hormone therapy: Combined hormone therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer. If you have been taking hormone therapy since you reached menopause, ask your doctor about other options. You may be able to manage your symptoms with non-hormonal therapies and medicines. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that is right for you and continue to ask your doctor to monitor the length of time you take hormones. Discussing other types of therapy and looking for alternatives could save you and reduce the risks of getting cancer.
- Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution: Medical imaging methods, such as CT scans, use high doses of radiation. Although more studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and radiation exposure so make sure to mention the risks with your doctor.
- Watch your diet: A healthy diet can reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Women who eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil and nuts may have a reduced risk of breast cancer. The Mediterranean diet focuses mainly on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, legumes and nuts. The benefits and advantages for health that come with plant based foods are very well known so you should include as much plant based food as you can.
- Our last advice would be to carry out regular tests and checks as early as possible and as often as necessary. Self-checking, screening and talking to your doctor is important and necessary. It is essential not to overlook the information that can be learnt every year and always try to find out what can cause cancer and how to prevent it.
We now know that breast cancer is more and more easily curable and women are more aware of the causes and the ways to prevent it. It is important to be aware of the fact that men can also get breast cancer even if the cases are rare. Do self-testing, screenings, talk to your doctor, be aware of your family history regarding cancer and always get informed about it.
