Friday, October 16, 2015

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month




October brings to mind many things for people: Halloween, costumes, candy, football, changing leaves and cooler temperatures.  For too many, October also brings to mind breast cancer.  With this being breast cancer awareness month, you cannot go very far without seeing a pink ribbon or being reminded of this terrible disease.  This awareness has brought much needed research and donations for curing this terrible disease.  

A few facts regarding breast cancer in 2015 according to www.komen.org
  • There will be an estimated 231,849 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in the U.S. alone. 
  • Of those, 40,290 will ultimately succumb to the disease. 

What are the warning signs of breast cancer?  The answers might surprise you. 

  • Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
  • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
  • Change in the size or shape of the breast
  • Dimpling of puckering of the skin
  • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple area
  • Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast 
  • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
  • New pain in one spot that does not go away

If you have one or more of these symptoms listed above, seek out a healthcare provider immediately.  It is important to remember the signs and symptoms do NOT always mean you have breast cancer.  Many other breast conditions can exude these same symptoms.  But the best way to ensure early detection is to see healthcare as soon as you notice changes. 

It is also important to remember that men are also subject to breast cancer, not just women.  Although the statistics show that 124.3 per 100,000 women will be diagnosed compared to 21.5 per 100,000 men, awareness for males is equally important and in some cases more important.  Men often times ignore symptoms which result in a much later stage diagnosis.  The key to beating the disease is EARLY detection.  


During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our goal at urBook$ is to encourage you to have awareness to this disease and remember any family or friends that have experienced it.  If you would like more information, you may visit www.komen.org.  This website offers insight into the disease, offers support for those currently battling the disease, and has an abundance of ways to get involved with fund-raising or bringing awareness to the disease. 

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