October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

You have likely noticed more people wearing pink and discussing breast cancer this month, and there’s a reason for it. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the condition and help raise funds for cancer research and treatment.

At Jefferson Plastic Surgery, we are proud to help patients with breast reconstruction surgery after surviving breast cancer. We know that there is so much heart that goes into fighting cancer, which is why we feel privileged to help these brave women in whatever way we can.

The team at our Philadelphia, PA plastic surgery center would like to go over some facts about breast cancer. We will then discuss ways that you can participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month that will help your family, your friends, and your community.

Breast Cancer Facts

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women. It’s been estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. There are currently 3.1 million women in America who have survived or are currently fighting breast cancer.

This year, medical experts have estimated that there will be 266,120 new diagnoses of breast cancer. It has also been estimated that 40,920 women will pass away this year because of breast cancer.

Raising Breast Cancer Awareness

Thanks to campaigns like Breast Cancer Awareness Month, more women are having their cancer diagnosed earlier and getting the treatment they need.

In fact, breast cancer death rates have been decreasing since the year 2000, in large part because of greater awareness of the condition and an emphasis on regular mammograms and screenings.

Knowing the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A lump forming in the breast
• Swelling of part or all of the breast
• Dimpling of the skin of breast
• Breast pain
• Nipple pain
• Nipple retraction/inversion
• Redness, scales, or thickness of the nipple or breast skin
• Fluid discharge from the nipple (other than breast milk)

If you notice any of the symptoms above, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. Again, early detection and treatment is essential.

Supporting Your Friends and Family

If you have a friend or family member fighting breast cancer, make sure to be supportive of them in their current situation. While you should always make time for your friends and family, perhaps Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good excuse to reach out and catch up if you haven’t in a while.

Awareness efforts like this tend to increase attentiveness to others, which is so helpful when dealing with any sort of health problem.

How You Can Help Others

If you want to help others beyond your family and circle of friends this October, consider donating to breast cancer charities, such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund. You can also consider participating in fundraising events in your area, or perhaps even putting on a fundraiser of your own.

Remember that these efforts can be done any time of the year. October is a good time for awareness, but meaningful actions to beat breast cancer can be taken all year long.

Contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery

To learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive surgery options, be sure to contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery. Our team is here to help you. You can reach our office by phone at (215) 625-6630.