October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer.
’55 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer each day’. – The National Breast Cancer Foundation, 2021.
The great news is that survival rates have risen from 76% to 91% (and rising) since 1994 thanks to research.
As a workplace, you can (most likely virtually) organise a pink ribbon breakfast to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer – https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/event/pink-ribbon-breakfast/home?_ga=2.130779597.390728601.1633308851-1605649163.1633308851
As well as doing a self-examination of your breasts once a month, it is recommended that all women over 50 book in for a free mammogram for early detection of breast cancer (earlier check if there is a family history of breast cancer) every 2 years (Cancer Council, 2021).
Whilst in some cases, people may not experience any symptoms at all (which is why the above is highly recommended), according to Healthline (2021) some signs of breast cancer may include:
- Retracted or inverted nipple;
- Breast or nipple pain;
- Lumps;
- Nipple discharge;
- Swelling;
- Redness/rash;
- Changes to skin texture;
- Lump around collar bone or under arm.