October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

“Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.”

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Any person, whether they know it or not, has probably come in contact with at least one woman who has had breast cancer.

 “Every year, breast cancer kills more than 500,000 women around the world.” 

World Health Organization

And, although it is not as common, some of you may even know men who have had breast cancer. As I write this, I remember a young neighbor we had a little over 10 years ago. It was the first time I had ever heard of breast cancer in men. I must confess I didn’t know what to think of it at first. How can that happen? We always seem to associate that kind of cancer with women right? This man was young, in his late 20s / early 30s. He had already been through it once before and a few months after we met, he had a recurrence, which is the term for when a cancer that has been in remission comes back. Although it had been years since we had moved from that house, I ended up ‘googling’ him last year and sadly found out he had passed away. It was so shocking that it made me really think of how important early detection and immediate treatment is. Cancer does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, socio-economic status or geographical location. 

So, what can you do? You can remember to listen to your body! Remember to have a yearly physical and have your breast checked for abnormalities. Sometimes it’s easy for you to detect it because you know your body best. Other times we’re not quite sure what we’re looking for. Here are a couple of resources to help out: 

This site has several sections for breast cancer education including a free E-book: Breast Problems That Aren’t Breast Cancer. https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/educational-guides/

In this section of the Susan G. Komen website, you can read about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. 

https://komencolorado.org/about-breast-cancer/screening/signs-symptoms/

This page in the Susan G. Komen website has some information about breast cancer risks for men.

https://komencolorado.org/about-breast-cancer/screening/risk-for-men/

Remember: Stay active, stay healthy, be proactive about your care!