October is pink!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Since 1985, the month of October has been known worldwide as breast cancer awareness month. The purpose of this month is, to draw attention to the treatment, research, and prevention of breast cancer. The symbol of the “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” is the pink ribbons, which most people have already encountered. This year we, M1 Med Beauty, want to contribute again to this project and provide you with important information about breast cancer. Besides, our employees wear pink ribbons throughout October as a sign of solidarity and support.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women and accounts for 28% of all cancers in Europe. At the same time, almost 90% of the women suffering from this disease can be cured nowadays. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of recovery. If the cancer is too far advanced and has attacked other organs and the so-called metastases form, a complete recovery is only very rarely possible. However, thanks to medical progress, patients can often live for decades with the right medical support. [1]

Can breast cancer be prevented?

According to the current state of research, breast cancer can only be prevented to a very limited extent, since many different factors play a role in its development. Some of these are age, one’s lifestyle, hormones, and family history. Not all risk factors can be consciously influenced by us. The risk must be assessed individually from person to person. However, a healthy lifestyle will always help to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Experts recommend avoiding overweight, consuming as little alcohol as possible, and exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes. [2]

Breast cancer detection and screening

Experts agree that the self-examination of the breast is not suitable as the only early detection method for detecting tumorous changes. Many women initially notice themselves when hardening or nodules form in the breast. However, tumors that can already be noticed by touch are already comparatively large. Mammography screening can detect changes in the tissue at an early stage. [3]

Check your breast once a month after your period

Raise your arm and examine your breast and armpit

Scan from the nipple starting to the outside

Examine the breast in the mirror for redness, skin changes and changes of the nipple

Instructions for self-examination

Nevertheless, medical palpation and the method of self-examination are an important part of the early detection of breast cancer. During this examination, the doctor should also show the patient how she could examine herself regularly. Doctors recommend that the breast should be carefully examined and palpated once a month. This will help you to get to know your body better and to get a feeling for normal and cycle-dependent changes.

Please be aware that it is very important to know when the right time for self-examination is. For young women, the optimal time is after menstruation, because the tissue of the breast is particularly soft then. Anyone taking hormones for contraception should always examine their breast at the beginning of a new blister. Women who have stopped having periods should have this examination at the same time every month. [4]

If you need to know what the first signs and symptoms of breast cancer are, and how to get symptom’s checked during the coronavirus outbreak, you can take a look at this website:
Breast cancer symptoms and signs