October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The beginning of breast cancer awareness month starts every year around October.  Fundraisers are raising money, and patients become survivors everyday. Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissue of the breast.

One in eight women within the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This particular kind of cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Risk factors of breast cancer include high number of menstrual cycles, childlessness, radiation, diet, obesity, and alcohol consumption.

There are  a lot of risk factors of breast cancer that can be prevented. All women by the age of 40 should be thinking about receiving a mammogram. Getting a mammogram might be scary for some, but it is an amazing method to detect breast cancer in its early stages and get the treatment that is needed right away. Since mammograms can’t detect breast cancer 100% of the time, some other methods include, digital mammograms, a sonogram, an ultrasound, or a biopsy.  

There are 4 major kinds of breast cancer. These include inflammatory breast cancer, unknown primary, Paget’s disease of the breast, and cystosarcoma phyllodes. They are all very different forms of breast cancer with very different warning signs for which all should be alert.

The support breast cancer receives daily is amazing. Breast cancer always has spectacular fundraisers like 5k runs and  the sale of certain items like candles and bags. Fleetwood Area High School English teacher, Ms. Debra Mahnken, has done fundraisers, participating in the 5k runs numerous times. Mahnken and other Fleetwood Area High School teachers have had family members with the disease and see breast cancer and breast cancer awareness very important and scary.

Overall, Breast cancer and breast cancer awareness is all about health and support. The month of October will be filled with survivors dressed in pink.