Today begins the 29th edition of Pink October! 🎀
Pink October, what is it?
Pink October is an international campaign to raise women's awareness of screening you cancer be you and to raise funds for associations that help and support people with cancer as well as for research. From October 1 to 31, health professionals, NGOs and associations are gathered around the world around information on breast cancer screening.
It was in 1985, in the United States (where she is from), that the Pink October campaign took place for the first time. She is supported by theAmerican Cancer Society and the company Imperial Chemical Industries. In France, the first campaign took place in 1994, at the wish of the group Estee Lauder who created the association Breast cancer, let's talk about it! and magazine Marie Claire.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is characterized by abnormal and uncontrollable cell growth. This cell proliferation causes tumor formation and organ dysfunction.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed and deadliest cancer in women. We count approximately 60 000 new cases of cancer and approximately 12 000 deaths each year. 1 in 8 women lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. However, mortality has been falling since the 1990s. You should know that breast cancer can also affect men, but it remains very rare (less than 1% of all cases).
Breast cancer screening
Ideally, your doctor, gynecologist or midwife should do a breast exam once a year.
There are several ways to screen for breast cancer:
- Palpation of the breasts and armpits provides essential signs. If in doubt, healthcare professionals can prescribe a mammogram or ultrasound.
- Mammography is the x-ray examination of the breasts. It reveals tumors even if they are not detectable by palpation of the breasts because they are too small.
- Ultrasound explores the breast using ultrasound. In certain cases, it makes it possible to better specify the nature of an image revealed by the mammography.
- MRI is the third radiological examination available for the study of the mammary gland. It is reserved for specific situations such as monitoring women at proven genetic risk.
- If necessary, it is also possible to do a biopsy. This allows samples to be taken from the lesion. Microscopic examination is essential to know if the tumor is benign or not.
Women can also practiceautopalpation.
How to self-palpate the breasts?
It is advisable to perform self-examination every month after menstruation. This helps identify any abnormalities in the breast.
Raise your arm and palpate, with 3 fingers, the breast on the side of the raised arm. Starting from the outer part of the breast, make small circles, keeping your fingers flat on the skin, looking for one or more lumps. Also feel the area between the breast and the armpit. Also check that there is no abnormal flow by squeezing the nipple.
Amadame take good care of yourself. 🎀