Tomorrow kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, cancer costs the United States economy billions of dollars. That doesn’t even begin to cover the cost of millions of lives and personal cost as well.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month occurs every year during the month of October. Throughout the month, many nonprofit organizations hold events and fundraisers to raise awareness about the disease.
Breast cancer accounts for 14.7 percent of all cancer deaths. To treat the disease, it can cost a single person tens of thousands of dollars to become well again. The more severe and progressed the disease is, the more expensive it will be to treat.
Treatments start around $25,000 for a stage I breast cancer patient. A stage IV breast cancer patient will spend more than $68,000 on treatment, with no guarantee that it will definitely work. However, being able to keep an eye out for early symptoms and signs can help reduce the risk of developing late-stage cancer. Here are seven symptoms to be aware of.
7 Early Symptoms to Be Aware Of
Early detection is the best way to avoid developing a higher stage of breast cancer. TV doctor Zoe Williams revealed these early symptoms to be aware of.
- Any area of thick tissue or new lump that wasn’t present before should be examined.
- If you notice a change in shape or size of one (or both) breasts, consult a physician.
- Any bloodstained discharge from your nipples should be taken seriously and brought up with the doctor.
- Another early symptom is developing a lump or swelling in one (or both) of your armpits.
- Some breast cancer patients notice dimpling on their breasts.
- Take note of any rash on (or around) your nipple. Any changes should be brought up with your doctor.
- There should be no change in the appearance of your nipple. An early sign can be your nipple becoming sunken into your breast or changing in appearance otherwise.
Shockingly one in three women doesn’t know what to look for when it comes to changes in their breasts. On top of that, one in seven has never even been taught how to check their own breasts for these symptoms.
Dr. Williams stated, “The aim for Breast Cancer Awareness 2019 is to galvanize all women of all ages to talk about breast cancer and be knowledgeable on breast checking. What struck me about these findings is that so many women don’t feel confident to check for signs of breast cancer or feel embarrassed to talk about it.”
She, along with many other doctors, are striving to break this trend during this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month through fundraisers and educational events. Williams said that the main goal is to make this information well-known and make self-checking the norm.
Read More
- National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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