SHILLONG:
Pink is a colour that is worn by people all around the world in October to promote breast cancer awareness month. Pink ribbons, pink lapel buttons, or simply wearing the colour are all possible ways to show support. But how did pink come to represent the fight against breast cancer? The typical perception would be that the colour is associated with femininity, yet the pink ribbon has more to offer. The first Breast Cancer Awareness Month was held in October 1986, and the pink ribbon became an international symbol in 1991.
One of the most common types of cancer, breast cancer, is characterised by unchecked cell development, which causes lumps to form inside the breast. It is one of the cancer types that is curable. But because it can spread to other body areas, the condition can be fatal if not caught early.
Breast cancer develops when some activities that regulate cell growth and division are disabled by DNA mutations or changes in breast cells. These mutant cells frequently perish or are attacked by the immune system. However, some cells bypass the defence system and proliferate unchecked, eventually growing into a breast tumour.
While some risk factors, like age and DNA, are unchangeable, an increase in breast cancer cases also suggests some lifestyle-related risk factors. There are several causes, ranging from late marriages to late childbirth, not nursing a new-born. Lack of exercise, obesity, drinking alcohol, and smoking significantly contribute to the growth in instances.
Breast cancer symptoms vary from person to person. Some have absolutely no symptoms or indicators at all. A painless lump or tumour in the breast is typically the first symptom. Additionally, alterations in a breast’s size or shape. Other symptoms include nipple discharges other than breast milk, which may include blood.
Obesity is a significant but entirely avoidable cause of many different diseases, including breast cancer. The majority of women can start getting mammograms regularly at age 40, while particular guidelines change according to risk and age. All girls in the 25- to 39-year-old age group must conduct self-examination. Women in the age group of 40 to 55 years should be urged to get preventive mammograms every two years.
Breastfeeding reduces the incidence of breast cancer when done for a cumulative period of one year or longer (for all children). Additionally, the child’s health is greatly improved. And lastly, don’t smoke, smokers and non-smokers alike are aware of how harmful smoking is. In addition to reducing quality of life and raising the risk of heart disease, stroke it also includes breast cancer and 15 other types of cancer.