October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In many countries including Qatar, organizations, companies and institutions raise awareness about breast cancer. You will probably see many pink ribbons this month and you might join some of the private and public events in Doha.
Qatar's National Cancer Program was initiated by the Supreme Council of Health. It works on educating the society about cancer through numerous awareness campaigns. The campaigns which not only run during this month emphasize on the importance of early detection to increase the chance of successful treatment.
Due to the importance of the breast cancer awareness campaign, Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser addressed the community: “We can win the battle against cancer. As more people of Qatar participate in screening programs for early detection, the cancer burden is lessened, and Qatar stands out as a model of right action in fighting this affliction” (National Cancer Program).
Be aware – but don’t stop there
While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to check themselves and encourage others to do the same. There are easy steps to detect the disease in its early stages.
How to do a Breast Self-Exam
It is recommended to examine your breast tissue for any physical or visual changes regularly. Here are the most important steps:
- Do your breast self-examination once a month
- In the shower: With the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern. Start from the outside and move to the centre. Check the entire breast and armpit area.
- In front of a mirror: Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides and then rise your arms high overhead. Look for changes in the contour, any dimpling of the skin or swelling, or changes in the nipples.
Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Again, look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes
- Lying down on your right side: Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. With your left hand, examine your right breast. Move the pads of your fingers in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit. Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
If you find a lump or notice other unusual changes, don’t panic. About 80% of lumps found are not cancerous. See your doctor for further evaluation.
Can I Rely On Breast Self-Exams?
Breast self-exams can help women to know what is normal for them. However, Mammography can detect tumours before they can be felt. Therefore, screening is the key for early detection. All in all, it is recommended to combine appropriate mammography with breast self-exams.
Please visit the Breast Cancer screening link below to see if screening is for you and to make an appointment: http://screenforlife.qa/breast-cancer-screening/
How can I contribute and help women in need?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. “There were an estimated 14.1 million cancer cases around the world in 2012, of these 7.4 million cases were in men and 6.7 million in women. This number is expected to increase to 24 million by 2035” (World Cancer Research Fund International).
So how can you help to reduce the number of women affected?
- Start small by telling your family members and friends about it.
- Donate money to organisations which provide medical treatment for breast cancer patients
- Organise an awareness campaign
- Participate in Breast Cancer events
- Wear the Breast Cancer ribbon
In all those ways you may create awareness and help women in need.
Find more information:
- Qatar Cancer Society is one of the charitable organizations leading in Qatar. It aims, to increase awareness among members of the community about cancer disease and its prevention in local and regional levels.
- Breast Cancer Arabia Foundation is a charity registered in UK and, was set up to improve the treatment and care of breast cancer in the Middle East.
- Breast Cancer International is a Global charity based in the UK set up to help women gain medical treatment for breast cancer wherever there is a need.