October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness of the impact of breast cancer. We are looking into spreading Awareness and more information regarding Breast Cancer and how that ties together with Clinical Research for Women’s Health.
What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
National Breast Cancer Awareness is a time to think about regular screenings that can help detect breast cancer early, especially for asymptomatic women. When this type of cancer is caught early, patients have more treatment options and are more likely to be treated successfully.
Every year, in the month of October, thousands of organizations focus on spread awareness about Breast Cancer so women can take steps to improve their health. Preventive care saves lives. You can find some great ideas to get started promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Here.
Why is October Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
The first national campaign with Pink Ribbon was in 1992 by Estée Lauder Cosmetics. They handed out an impressive 1.5 million of them and featured pink ribbons as a major visual reminder for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The NFL has grown to be one of the biggest supporters of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and nearly every player, coach, and umpire wears a pink ribbon each October to show support.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity for all Americans to take time to recognize the men and women whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.
What are the Symptoms and Signs of Breast Cancer?
Although rare, men also get breast cancer. By 2022, an estimated 2,720 men in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 530 men will die from breast cancer.
The DOH reports that breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women in the state and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in New Mexico. Her 1,512 women will be diagnosed with cancer in New Mexico this year, and unfortunately, an estimated 279 women will die from breast cancer in the state.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer has several different symptoms, and some people have no symptoms at all. However, there are common risk factors such as:
- Being a woman
- Being older (most breast cancers are found in women 50 years-old and older)
- Having a strong family history of breast cancer
- Having changes in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
What to do for Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Don’t drink alcohol, or limit alcoholic drinks to no more than one per day.
- Talk to your doctor about family health history and other ways to lower cancer risk.
Celebrate Pink October with Onyx Clinical Research
At Onyx Clinical Research, we are constantly doing studies and helping women explore their health options. If you want to help the women in your community, yourself, and others, please visit our Women’s Health Services page to learn more.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to Contact Us or give us a call below.
