Breast Cancer Facts and All Things Women Should Know
By Haley Brettschneider and Alexa Bournazos
Unfortunately, breast cancer is a common condition among many women today. One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their life and 40,920 women are expected to die from it in 2018. It is important to know that breast cancer is not only one kind of cancer but it can be many different types. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast start to grow very rapidly and form a tumor. The tumor is cancerous if the cells grow into surrounding tissues or spread into different areas around the body. Performing monthly self checks can help you identify changes in your breasts. This can tell you if anything unusual is happening. You should check for any unusual size or change in the appearance of your breasts, discharge from the nipple, or pain or swelling in the breast area. All of these characteristics can be a sign of breast cancer. If the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple becomes scaly, red, or swollen you must make an appointment with your doctor.
The causes of breast cancer are unclear, but there are a number of things that you can do to reduce your risk. According to the Mayo clinic, healthy habits such as limiting alcohol intake, not smoking, controlling your weight and being physically active can help prevent breast cancer. The most common risk factors for breast cancer is old age, and a family history of breast cancer, even though it is not a genetic disease. Women who have previously had breast cancer are at a greater risk of getting it again, and a woman with a benign lump on their breast is susceptible to breast cancer because it can become cancerous. Someone with breast cancer in their family, such as a sister, mother, or even daughter, is two to three times more likely to get breast cancer. Scientists have found that there are two genes that cause some familial cases, BRCA1 and BRCA2. About one in 200 women carries these genes. Having one of these genes makes someone more prone to breast cancer, but does not mean she will get it.
If you are looking to contribute to a breast cancer charity, the best charity to donate to is the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Breast Cancer Research Foundation is the highest rated breast cancer foundation in the United States Of America. BCRF has funded 12,066,960 hours of research since 1963. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a non profit organization that is inspired to help loved ones. They state that “Research isn’t confined to a lab. These stories from doctors, patients, friends and loved ones affected by breast cancer inspire us to continue looking for answers.”
Landmarks Around The World Turn Pink In Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
By Ryan Hammel
October has been the annual and international breast cancer awareness month since 1985 in order to increase awareness regarding the disease and raise funds to conduct further research. The campaign also offers support to those affected by breast cancer. A variety of events around the world are organized in October, including walks and runs, and the NFL teams wearing pink apparel in their games all throughout the month. The campaign is marked in various cities across the world by the pink illumination of major monuments and buildings.
In Paris, France, the Eiffel Tower lights up in pink:
In Washington DC, the White House:
Tokyo Tower as well…
One of New York’s most iconic buildings, the Helmsley Building on Park Avenue turns to pink for the occasion:
Praça dos Três Poderes, Brasília, Brazil in the Brazilian Capital which is a plaza situated between the Congress, the Supreme Court and the Presidential Office, all of which were cast in pink:
And lastly, the home of the UK Prime Minister also casts a pink glow:
