It’s officially the beginning of October, which means that it is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We’ve all seen the pink ribbons and donation tables to cancer research, but how much thought do most people give to breast cancer?
Unfortunately, breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer among women in the United States. It affects both men and women, and symptoms can develop as early as in one’s twenties. As students who fall into that category, it can be a scary thought, but it is quite simple to take precautionary measures.
The first thing you can do is monitor your breasts for any unusual changes. Keep an eye out for any abnormalities like hard lumps, changes in shape, dimpling or pain. Having a doctor perform an annual breast examination is the easiest way to make sure you are in good shape.
The UCF Health Center is the perfect place to make an appointment for a breast exam if you are unsure about anything.
Also, don’t panic if you feel an unusual lump, because it does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. Cysts and fibrodenomas are common causes of lumps in breast tissue that are none cancerous.
The only sure way to know is to have it checked out by a doctor.
So, for my fellow ladies here at UCF, this is the time to remind ourselves that we should be keeping an eye on our “girls.”
While there is no way to prevent breast cancer, early detection through breast exams could save your life. So, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this is your friendly reminder to help Save the Ta-Ta’s
RELATED CONTENT:
Rethink Breast Cancer targets men:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh_i4CDNTeA
Watch how one charity is rethinking breast cancer awareness
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jI4zkx8As34
The behind the scenes explanation about the controversial breast cancer awareness ad:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYzwEFv8ADs
