Breast Cancer Awareness

Beginning October 1st and through October 31st is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month serves to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide education on early detection. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women and affects more than 245,000 women every year in the United States.

At Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center, we have put together information about breast cancer as well as ways you can get involved to help raise awareness for this important cause!

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease caused by the cells in the breast growing out of control, and the type of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast become cancerous. Breast cancer can also form in different parts of the breast including the ducts which carry milk to the nipple; lobules which produce the milk; and the connective tissue that hold these parts together. Symptoms of breast cancer can include:

• New lump in the breast or underarm
• Changes in the size or the shape of the breast
• Pain in any part of the breast
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)

It is crucial to remember that even if cancer begins in the breast, it can spread outside of the area through the lymph vessels and blood vessels to other parts of the body. When this occurs, it means cancer has metastasized.

Breast Cancer Screening and the Importance of Early Detection

Breast cancer is a survivable disease if it is caught and treated early. This is why screening tests like mammograms are a crucial component of women’s healthcare. Mammograms use special x-ray images to detect any abnormal changes or growths in the breast tissues, which allows doctors to detect the disease in the early stages before it can be felt in an examination of the breasts.

Mammograms are typically offered by doctors to women around the age of 40 and are completed annually, however, when you decide to begin mammogram screening and how often you have a mammogram done is ultimately your personal choice.

How You Can Help Raise Awareness for Breast Cancer

You can use this month to start a conversation with the women in your life about breast cancer and the importance of breast cancer screening. Other ways to get involved include:

• Start a fundraiser at your school, church, or other community organization.
• Donate to a breast cancer charity of your choice.
• Add a touch of pink to your wardrobe to show your support.
• Volunteer with your local breast cancer awareness organization.
• Change your social media profile photo to feature the pink ribbon, which is the international symbol for breast cancer awareness.

Join us for our Breast Cancer Awareness Events

At Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center, we are hosting a biking event for breast cancer this month. We are also hosting a series of Yoga 4 Cancer classes. Yoga for Cancer is a research-based, specialized yoga methodology that addresses the physical and emotional needs that are left behind by cancer and cancer treatment.

This class serves to help those who have undergone treatment for cancer and those currently undergoing cancer treatments. It also open to caregivers and medical professionals that are interested in experiencing the class. Yoga for cancer provides benefits to those affected by cancer that include increased strength and flexibility, improved sleep, enhanced wellbeing and more!

Join us in raising awareness and spreading the word about the importance of early detection of breast cancer to the Washington area and surrounding communities.