Breast cancer is an important topic that deserves attention and awareness.
Each year, about 42,000 women and about 500 men lose their lives to breast cancer. The ratio of women with breast cancer is greater than that of men as women tend to have more breast cells than men, therefore increasing their chances of getting the disease. It is a type of cancer that forms in the cells in your chest. It is important for you to get frequent medical checks as breast cancer is easier to cure in its early stages before it spreads or grows.
History of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a disease that has a long and painful history dating back to around 1600 BC or even before that. The Edwin Smith Papyrus ( an ancient medical text in ancient Egypt) mentions severe cases of breast tumours and their spreading. Over the centuries more theories about the disease, treatments and causes spread. In the 19th century, significant progress was made in understanding breast cancer when Wilhem Conrad Roentgen discovered X-rays which allowed for the detection of tumours. As the centuries passed, more discoveries and theories were developed leading us to our understanding of breast cancer and how it spreads today. Today, we have discovered there are 5 stages of breast cancer (0-4) written as 0, II, III and IV. The higher the stage number, the further the cancer has spread, making it more difficult to get rid of.
Why do we wear pink?
You may have noticed how everything turns pink during October. The colour pink is used to show affection and support towards those unfortunate to have breast cancer and to raise awareness about the disease.
It is important to spread awareness by wearing pink, participating in events and fundraisers and donating to charities when possible. These are simple visual reminders and acts of service that aid in starting informative conversations about the disease that encourage people to be caring and respectful to those who are affected by this, and to encourage people to get frequent periodic medical examinations. It is a way for communities to come together each year and show our support.
How you as an individual can help!
Supporting those with breast cancer is crucial as it can make a difference in their journey. When we offer emotional or physical support to those who need it and welcome our presence, we become a source of strength for them by actively being there. Together through volunteering, fundraising efforts and creating a compassionate community, we can make a positive impact on those affected by this disease.
