It’s October! An exciting month for a stream of events, leading up to the remainder of the new year just two months away.
October is also considered as #Pinktober. A month dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Before I go further, I would like to share a bit of my own story.
I have written a piece before about what it was like spending this year’s birthday with my mother, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 last year.
This month’s emphasis on breast cancer awareness really put a lot of emotional weight into what it means for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. My mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 last year, it was not and still not easy for the family and myself to cope but we are still staying strong, together with my mother.
I will admit that if we had detected it earlier, it could have been prevented earlier or have it under control earlier. However, that does not change the fact that cancer was still there. It has been very difficult to see my mother going through chemotherapy, watching my father being her direct caretaker by her side, changing her bandages and managing her diet; the family and I spend as much time as we can with her while we still can.
When my mother had got it detected before we confirmed about Stage 4, there was already a hardened lump located in the area under her breast. When we did get it checked, it was considered benign. Two years later, she was diagnosed with Stage 4.
At the moment, my mother is staying strong but I will not lie that it was very heartbreaking to see her struggling so much in pain, including the times when she has to go through chemotherapy. The family and I try to spend as much time with her as we can, managing her diet and making sure she is very much loved, appreciated and supported.
It does not mean all hope is lost and in light of Breast Cancer Awareness month for this year, there is no better time than the present to get yourself and your loved one to get your breasts checked up.
For a start, here are the signs to be aware of:
1. Lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
2. Hardening or swelling on any part of the breast.
3. Irritation or dimpling of breast skin (ie: rash or what seemed like rash spots).
*dimpling refers to pressing on the skin of the breast and sensing an odd softness on it.
4. Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
5. Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
6. Nipple discharge that is not breast milk. Blood discharge from the nipple.
7. Any change in the size or shape of the breast.
8. Pain in any area of the breast.
Although these are common symptoms and signs to look out for, every person does experience or may have been aware of the early signs differently, it does not apply to everyone.
The most important message here is to not delay if you feel something is wrong or at any time you feel an alarming change on your breasts, do not hesitate to seek a doctor consultation.
Last but not least, there is absolutely no shame in getting your breasts checked – it is part of your body, and there is really nothing to be ashamed of. Get the help you need. Find out and note down as many resources as you can.
If you have the opportunity to have access to free screening, do not wait.
Stay safe, stay well. Of yourself and your loved ones.
Jasmine RCK is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav.
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