October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

by Mariana Morales

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Every year, there are thousands of Canadians affected by breast cancer – not only the people with the disease, but also family and friends. It is the most diagnosed cancer in women and it is estimated that 23,200 Canadian women will have it in 2011.

Breast cancer can also be diagnosed in men since men have breast tissue just like women do.  Although less common, it can be found in men of all ages.  Approximately 190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Canadian Cancer Society helps create awareness through programs and campaigns to educate women about breast screening. They are investing around $2.7 million to support breast cancer research which includes preventing it for those high risked women and for the treatment.

Around 64 women in Canada are diagnosed with breast cancer every day!

With these staggering numbers, we need to learn how to fight back this disease and to get educated. It is best to be ‘breast aware’ by checking your breasts regularly for any changes.

There aren’t precise causes of breast cancer, but there are ways that may reduce the risk. It is recommended to maintain a healthy body weight to be physically active. Avoid tobacco smoke, and limit alcohol consumption.

The Canadian Cancer Society creates awareness months for different health issues. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month as well as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness.

For more information on The Canadian Cancer Society, visit: www.cancer.ca.  For more information on the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundations and ways to get involved, visit: www.cbcf.org.

Mariana Morales is a full-time student at Conestoga College studying Print Journalism. She enjoys photography and is a volunteer at the Snap KW newspaper. What makes her different? She loves video games. In her spare time, she writes articles for a gaming website called Hooked Gamers. She hopes one day to work in the video game industry.  Follow her on Twitter.