National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Saves Lives

October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and NMPC stands united in supporting this vital cause. As we raise awareness, we emphasize the importance of early detection and providing care for those affected. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally with around 2.3 million new cases every year. It represents one in eight cancer cases in both sexes and a quarter of all cancers in women with 70% mortality occurring in resource constrained settings. Health system barriers and patient level factors with low levels of awareness and knowledge are contributing to low uptake of early detection services, with resultant late-stage diagnoses and poor outcomes. In many resource-constrained settings, breast cancer affects a relatively younger population significantly contributing to premature mortality and maternal orphans. 

Here are the risk factors that can increase your chance of developing breast cancer include: 

• Family history of breast cancer 

• Personal history of breast cancer (cancer in one breast increases the odds of having cancer in the other breast) 

• Hormonal changes 

• Age (risk increases after you turn 40) 

• Alcohol consumption 

• Smoking 

• Unhealthy Diet 

• Obesity or overweight 

• Sedentary Lifestyle 

• Pregnancy (becoming pregnant at an older age or never being pregnant) 

• Radiation exposure (women who received radiation treatments to the chest to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma at a young age) 

• Postmenopausal Hormone therapy (if you are on combined estrogen and progesterone, you are at an increased risk of breast cancer and should discuss the risk versus benefits with your doctor) 

Let us continue to stand together, supporting those affected by breast cancer and spreading awareness. With collective efforts, we can inspire hope, foster early detection, and work toward a future free of breast cancer.