Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By: Mascha Cenia, Staff Reporter, The Pawprint

October, the month for breast cancer awareness. It is the month in which people from all over the world show their support and love towards anyone affected by breast cancer. It is such an important disease to be aware about as it is the most common cancer in women. Around the globe the rate of women diagnosed with breast cancer increases everyday at an alarming rate. However, if this is detected at an early stage then it can be treated successfully. Most of the time breast cancer is seen as an illness that only older people get, unfortunately it can also occur in teenagers as young as 12. 

So what is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a kind of tumor that develops in the cell’s of a person’s breast. It is an illness that occurs when cells in the breast grow out of control. This disease is caused when the DNA in breast cells change that disable specific functions that control cell growth and division.These cells separate more quickly than healthy cells do and proceed to construct up forming a lump or mass. There are a variety of types of breast cancers depending on which exact cells in the breast turns into cancer. 

According to Statista, in 2012, a survey was taken of the most common type of cancer to be diagnosed by gender. This survey reveals that there is a 30% chance of women to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Even though mainly women are diagnosed with breast cancer, men can be affected by this as well. Men and women are born with breast tissue and cells although men do not produce milk-producing breasts. Males’ breast tissue can still develop cancer. Only one in a thousand will ever be diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Symptoms of breast cancer

It is important to do regular screenings and self-examine your breasts every once in a while just to be on the safe side. Everyone with breast cancer has different symptoms and some people do not even get any therefore visits to doctors is very important. It is key to remember that these symptoms can also occur with other conditions. However, going to the doctor if any of these symptoms are existent is a priority. 

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the main symptoms are; 

• A new lump in the breast or under the arm
• Swelling and thickening of part of the breasts 
• Irritation of breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast

It is important to know that no breast of a woman is the same. A normal looking breast for one woman may be different for another. The feeling and look of one’s breast can be affected by a variety of causes such as a period, having children, and weight gain or loss. In addition, the breast also changes over the years and by age. However, ignoring the red flags that could help prevent further development of the cancer in the breast should not be encouraged. Any lumps, lumpy areas, soreness, tenderness, rash, puckering, and unusual shape, along with watery, fluid, or yellow discharge should be checked out by a professional doctor immediately. 

UAE, specifically Dubai, focused a lot on spreading awareness about the importance of the month of October for breast cancer. Many schools in Dubai such as Dubai American Academy, had a day where students were able to dress up in the colors of pink, white and red to show their awareness for breast cancer month. Small stands were created where homemade cookies, popcorn and many other small gifts were sold for a little amount of money that was then sent to charity. These small actions make a difference when a whole school comes together as a community to show their awareness and appreciation to anyone suffering from breast cancer.