For women, the only cancer more common than breast cancer is skin cancer.
Sacha Dawkins, a nursing instructor at Mississippi University for Women, said the most common sign of breast cancer is the occurrence of a mass in the breast. Other signs — itchiness and inflammation — are often overlooked signs of inflammatory breast cancer. Paget’s disease, a more aggressive form of breast cancer, is also characterized by a rash-like appearance that occurs around the areola, she added.
“I’ve known several women who have been diagnosed by a dermatologist,” Dawkins said.
One in eight women develop breast cancer, according to The American Cancer Society. More than 200,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year. An estimated 40,000 women will die from the disease.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Dawkins believes that the growing awareness of the disease has helped eliminate misconceptions and fight the battle against breast cancer, but continued education is key. Dawkins says it starts with being aware of your own body.
“It is important to know your body to be able to identify symptoms and signs,” Dawkins said. “If you identify something new or changes keep occurring, it is important to see a doctor soon.”
Women over the age of 40 should have annual mammograms. This month, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, women who come in for a mammogram receive a “happy,” according to Donna Grant, the hospital’s marketing coordinator.
Women over 40 should also have a clinical exam every three years and perform self-exams on a monthly basis, according to The American Cancer Society. If you have a family history of breast cancer, it is advised that you start check-ups sooner.
Lifestyles choices also play a part, Dawkins said. Choosing to not smoke, eating right, and getting enough rest and exercise help maintain the body’s immune system.
“Cancer doesn’t grow faster, it grows differently,” Dawkins said. “We all have cancer cells. We must maintain our immune system to fight these cells.”
On Oct. 30, at The W’s Stark Aerobics Studio, there will a “Code Pink Zumba” event from 5:15 to 6 p.m. The public is welcome to wear pink attire and attend to support breast cancer awareness.
William Browning was managing editor for The Dispatch until June 2016.
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