October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer and its impact. This campaign is organized by major breast cancer charities. Breast Cancer Awareness Month started in 1985 by the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries and has since been celebrated back-to- back every year. The original intention was just to encourage women to regularly get mammograms and keep track of their health. Breast Cancer Awareness Month also works to raise awareness and gain funding to help research for a cure to breast cancer. In the U.S. alone, about 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. It’s important to understand what you can do to help lower risks of breast cancer as well as identify it.

Students at North Point showed support for Breast Cancer Awareness by doing a ‘pink-out’ at the homecoming game which was held on October 8. Students were also encouraged to wear pink on October 13th to support Breast Cancer Awareness. North Point students did not fail to show their support and spread awareness.

Breast cancer accounts for 30% of cancers in women and it also can be found in men. Mortality rates of breast cancer have been declining since early detection and treatment has been improved and encouraged. Some increased risks that can raise the chance of developing cancer are due to genetics, your sex, your family history, age, and other factors. It’s important to know family records and also a good idea to get tested and know your chances of developing breast cancer. Staying active is a huge thing since it helps to decrease the chance of developing breast cancer. Other habits like abstaining from alcohol also help to keep you safe and healthy.

Women are encouraged to do monthly at-home check ups which take no longer than 5 minutes! A simple self-examination done on your breasts is very beneficial. If you notice any lumps, swelling, thickening, irritation, redness, or pain in your breasts or around the area, talk to your doctor immediately! Breast cancer can come with no symptoms but changes in your breasts are important to take note of. Other symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes are important to see since swollen lymph nodes indicate your body is working to fight some type of infection.

To help support Breast Cancer Awareness, try donating to charities, volunteering in fundraising activities or organize a fundraiser of your own. Wearing pink and participating in cancer walks/runs, and even volunteering to help a cancer patient are more ways to support. And finally, knowing the facts about breast cancer and educating yourself and others is very important.

Keep spreading awareness about breast cancer and work to help research for a cure!

For more information visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/