Breast cancer awareness is only the beginning

October is breast cancer awareness month

Breast cancer awareness month was observed starting in 1985 through a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries, a pharmaceutical company producing drugs that treat breast cancer.

Breast cancer awareness month is globally recognized and aims to heighten awareness about the disease, raise funds for research, celebrate those who have survived and commemorate those who have been lost. It has been long recognized in the Philippines, with many companies and charitable groups sharing the message.

While many of us are familiar with the pink ribbon and “wear pink” campaigns, what does breast cancer awareness actually mean and why is it so important?

The Philippines has the highest rate of breast cancer incidents in Southeast Asia with three out of every 1001 women expected to be diagnosed at some point in their life. It is also important to note that men too can suffer from breast cancer, although the numbers are much lower. Furthermore, breast cancer ranks second behind lung cancer in terms of the deadliest. International research shows that survival is high when early-stage breast cancers are diagnosed and that the five-year survival rate remains high.

Regular professional health screening is important where available and an accurate and early diagnosis with the right treatment plan in place is critical.

Easy ways to become more aware include being able to identify changes in your breasts, learning how to complete regular breast checks and knowing the risk factors. These are all key actions that can be easily undertaken.

How to be breast aware
Knowing how your own breasts look and feel is important. Talking to others about breast health, sharing your experience, and being open about the topic all help to normalize the subject and will build a new generation of breast-aware women and men.

How to complete self-checks
Ideally you should self-check your breasts once a month. It is best to do the check at the same time each month, especially for women as hormonal changes can lead to temporary changes in the breast.

Look – place your arms by your sides and look at yourself in a mirror to become familiar with the shape of your breasts and nipples. Raise your arms above your head to see what happens and take another look.

Feel – feel all around your breasts and get used to what is “normal”. Make sure you feel from the collarbone right around and underneath and also in the area of the armpit.

Learn – Once you are regularly checking, you will be able to identify when something changes or appears unusual.

Understanding the risk factors
Several factors can alter the risk of developing breast cancer. Some can lead to an increased risk while others can help to reduce the risk. Some of the main ones includes:

Alcohol – the World Cancer Research Fund (WRCF) concluded that there is convincing evidence that alcohol contributes to the development of multiple cancers, including breast cancer. Even small amounts can be harmful – the type of alcohol you drink (wine, beer, or spirits) doesn’t make a difference. Health regulations vary from country to country but the general rule is to minimize alcohol intake. In the Philippines, it is advised that women should take no more than 10 grams of alcohol per day while for men, no more than 20 grams.

Smoking – smoking involves inhaling several chemicals linked to cancer including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, known to cause breast cancer. The best move is to completely quit smoking.

Diet and weight – the risk of breast cancer is increased because of poor diet and excessive weight. What you do eat can be just as important as what you don’t eat. Avoid processed foods, those high in saturated fat, or high in sugar. Make sure your diet includes primarily natural and unprocessed foods particularly high in fruits and vegetables.

Cosmetics and beauty products – many common shampoos, face creams, shower gels, and make-up contain endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The best advice is to limit the use of cosmetics and where possible, avoid those that include ingredients such as Parabens, phthalates, triclosan, synthetic musks and Formaldehyde. Instead, consider organic or natural cosmetics that don’t use these chemicals.

Breastfeeding – research has shown that for women of child-bearing age, breastfeeding provides some protection against breast cancer. The longer you breastfeed, the more protection. Breastfeeding leads to an extended period of lower estrogen levels and generally encourages healthy eating and avoidance of alcohol and cigarettes which also protects the baby.

This October, challenge yourself to pay more attention to your breast health and think of how making small changes can lead to a bigger impact. Start a conversation with a friend about breast health, do a regular self-check, and make the necessary lifestyle changes.

Cancer and other critical illnesses can be diagnosed when we least expect them and may persist. In such cases, AXA’s wide range of health solutions covering critical illnesses can help you be more prepared. Check these out by visiting AXA’s Health Hub: AXA Philippines | AXA Health Page.

Preferred Global Health (PGH) is a valued partner of AXA’s Preferred Consultation and Care (PCC) service. The partnership between AXA Philippines and PGH gives eligible AXA policyholders access to PCC where they can get expert advice for diagnosis verification and treatment plans from highly experienced Harvard-affiliated doctors. It provides patients the opportunity to make informed decisions in case of diagnosis of cancer and heart disease.

PGH is a leading global patient organization based in Boston, Massachusetts with more than 20 years of experience in patient advocacy and supporting patients and their families on the path to recovery.

1Philippine foundation for breast care https://www.kasuso.org/about-breast-cancer
2  The McGrath Foundation The https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/about/what-we-do/breast-awareness/
3Australian Government https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/breast-cancer/awareness/breast-cancer-awareness
4Australian Cancer Council https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/alcohol/?&utm_source=google&utm_content=1gsCCNSWAO2021&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtMCKBhDAARIsAG-2Eu_Yu3VVy-UP7JxPa5w9S9v6AGyNsQ6PXY6yjBpkrpESqJiENKOPq2QaAhbHEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
5Australian Government: Breast Cancer Risk Factors https://www.breastcancerriskfactors.gov.au/what-you-can-do
6IARD Drinking Guidelines http://iardwebprod.azurewebsites.net/science-resources/detail/Drinking-Guidelines-General-Population
7Breast Cancer UK https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/reduce-your-risk/diet-and-weight/diet/