October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer Awareness Month, initially started as an awareness week in the US by the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries Pharmaceuticals in October 1985. Since then more and more governments, organisations and individuals have continued to dedicate October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month with campaigns, fundraisers and other initiatives.
We join in continuing to raise awareness and increase education on breast cancer, the importance of early detection and sharing the resources and support available in Cayman.
The Signs & Symptoms
There are several common symptoms of breast cancer, a lot of which can be identified through a self-examination. Some of these can include:
- New lump or thickened tissue
- Change in shape/size of one or both breasts
- Discharge from either nipple
- Dimpling of skin
- Vein which is becoming more visible
- Rash
- Breast that is red, hot/heated or inflamed
The Cayman Islands Breast Cancer Foundation has created a graphic using lemons to provide somewhat of a visual as to how these symptoms may appear.
These are just some of the main symptoms reported. There are several different types of breast cancer such as metastatic breast cancer or inflammatory breast cancer, to name a few. The symptoms can vary. The Breast Cancer Foundation has some guides to the different types of breast cancer here.
Risk Factors and Importance of Early Detection
Studies have shown that majority of the women diagnosed with breast cancer are ages 50+.
Mammograms are recommended to start around 40 for women in Cayman and happen annually or bi-annually after that. This can vary depending on whether individuals are more at risk. Those at risk may be invited from as early as 30 for regular annual mammograms along with ultrasounds and MRIs. Being at risk can include age, family history of the disease or menstrual history. Those who have larger or dense breasts may also be advised to get an ultrasound in addition to a mammogram.
While the incidence of being diagnosed with breast cancer is lower for younger women (and men – see next section), it is not zero. The Breast Cancer Foundation states, breast cancer in young women has been “notoriously more aggressive”, therefore regular self-examination and knowing what is normal for you along with attending mammograms once eligible and voicing concerns with doctors if anything abnormal appears are all key steps in minimizing your risk as much as possible. However, if diagnosed, it can greatly help in ensuring early detection.
Breast Cancer In Men
As mentioned briefly above, while rare, men can also get breast cancer. The main risk factor for men is old age with the majority of breast cancer cases in men occurring in those aged 60+. However some of the same symptoms including suspicious growths or lumps on the breast, dimpling or discharge can be warning signs along with factors like family history with breast cancer increasing risk for men. Mammograms are not routinely offered for men, therefore keeping tabs on your body, health and mentioning any changes or problems at your regular checkups is vital.
Conclusion & Resources in the Cayman Islands
Overall, the goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to continue to spread awareness about breast cancer, the signs, symptoms, raising money for greater research, encouraging women to attend their mammogram appointments and promoting the importance of early detection. In the past 20 years, it is these steps including access to more advanced technology for this exam that has led to the survival rate of breast cancer increasing! We hope the above has been useful and we encourage you this month and year round to continue the conversation on breast cancer and reaching out early if you notice any symptoms.
To learn more about the breast cancer awareness in Cayman, resources and medical services please view the below links. Many of the organisations below also host an array of fundraiser events and accept donations not only in October but year round – for those looking to support.
- Breast Cancer Foundation – free ultrasound and mammogram vouchers through Early Detection Program for those struggling to afford tests
- Lions Club of Tropical Gardens – mammogram vouchers available in October
- Cayman Islands Cancer Society
- Medical Services & Places to get Mammograms
