October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual push to raise awareness about the benefits of early detection and the impact of breast cancer.
To give you an idea of how widespread and life-threatening it is, factor this, one woman gets diagnosed with breast cancer every 4 minutes in India, and one woman dies of breast cancer every 13 minutes, making it the most prevalent cancer among Indian women.*
*Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/poverty-of-ambition/breast-cancer-in-india/
On an encouraging note, If breast cancer is detected early, there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage have a 93 percent or higher survival rate in the first five years. Consequently, it is recommended to get one’s breasts checked once every month.
As a women-run and led organization, spreading awareness about breast cancer and supporting those who are going through this difficult journey is especially close to our heart.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, STAC is encouraging women to feel, learn and notice their breasts A LOT MORE!
To commemorate this month, we are thrilled to introduce our first ever scented candle -
“Glow With Grace”, a Cinnamon Spiced Vanilla scented candle
How To Check Yourself For Early Signs Of Breast Cancer
Breast self-exam, or regularly examining your breasts on your own, can be an important way to find breast cancer early when it’s more likely to be treated successfully. While no single test can detect all breast cancers early, performing breast self-exam in combination with other screening methods can increase the odds of early detection.
The Cancer Foundation Of India prescribes the following steps for regular self-examination :
1. Feel your breasts while lying down. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion.
2. Check the entire area from the neck to the armpit to the bottom of each breast.
3. Feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements as described in steps 1 and 2.
4. Look for any visual changes while standing in front of your mirror with your arms up and down.
While performing a self-examination, look for:
- A knot or hard lump near your armpit
- Increased thickening or fullness in your breasts
- An inverted nipple
- Bloody nipple discharge
- Pain, redness, heat, or swelling in your breast
- A rash, itching, scales, or sores on your breast
- Bulges, dimples, or ridges on your breast’s skin
Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you’ve noticed a lump or any other breast change that is new and worrisome. It is always recommended to get help as early as possible.
How often should you #TestYourBreasts?
Start checking your breasts regularly once a month to get an idea of what they usually feel and look like. This will make it easier for you to notice any anomaly.
When should you #TestsYourBreasts?
Examine yourself several days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen and tender. If you are no longer having periods, choose a day that's easy to remember.
#TestYourBreasts
About Maina Foundation
You can learn more about the foundation at https://mainafoundation.org