Breast Cancer Awareness Day 2024: Theme, History, Significance, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention Tips

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and its impact on individuals and communities. The initiative emphasises the importance of recognising the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer, encouraging timely diagnosis and treatment. In the U.S., October 13 is nationally recognised as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

The theme for this year is “No one should face breast cancer alone,” highlighting the importance of peer support among patients and survivors, which can often feel isolating along the cancer journey.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: History

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) has been celebrated every October since 1985 when it was introduced as a week-long campaign by the American Cancer Society in conjunction with Imperial Chemical Industries. It grew into a month-long festivity to create awareness and educate people on breast cancer. The pink ribbon was adopted as the emblem of this movement in 1992 after a partnership between SELF magazine and Estée Lauder increased its visibility and support for breast cancer awareness.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Significance

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world with around 2.3 million new cases reported annually. The campaign is focused on early detection and treatment, and systemic change for patients who are diagnosed with stage four or an advanced form of breast cancer, for which there is no cure.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Common symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A growth or bump in the underarm or breast region
• Changes in breast shape or size
• Skin dimpling or puckering
• Nipple discharge (other than milk)
• The skin around the breasts or nipples that is red or scaling

Early detection is key and that’s why self-exams and mammograms are important.

Treatment Options

Treatment options for breast cancer can include:

1. SurgeryLumpectomy or mastectomy to remove cancerous tissue.
2. Radiation TherapyTo eradicate any cancer cells that remain after surgery.
3. ChemotherapyUses medication to stop quickly proliferating cells.
4. Hormonal TherapyFor cancers sensitive to hormones.
5. Targeted TherapiesFocus on specific characteristics of cancer cells.

A multidisciplinary approach is commonly adopted for the treatment plan personalised to patients.

Prevention Tips

Preventive measures include:

• Regular Screening: Mammograms and clinical breast exams.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Avoid tobacco use
• Genetic Testing: Those with a family history of breast cancer may benefit from genetic counselling.