Cathy’s Jeans Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Every Month
The World Change Coalition and its flagship product, Cathy’s Jeans, view every month as Breast Cancer Awareness Month! The World Change Coalition was created to help support women facing the challenges of breast cancer which includes raising awareness of the actions women can take for early breast cancer detection. A significant percent of our profit is contributed to charities that provide wigs to support women affected by chemotherapy-induced alopecia (hair loss).
Being aware of breast cancer is an important beginning but it is just that, a beginning.
I lost my mom to breast cancer in 2015. I created The World Change Coalition in her memory to honor her remarkable courage and strength and to support other women facing cancer. Part of that support is raising awareness for all women of the importance of early breast cancer detection.
The Importance of Early Breast Cancer Detection
When breast cancer is detected early and in a localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Early detection of breast cancer is critical! A number of medical and breast cancer support organizations recommend a three-step approach for early breast cancer detection[, especially for women 40 and older:
· Regular breast self-examination;
· Regular clinical breast exams by a health care provider, and;
· Yearly screening mammogram.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is important for early detection. The National Breast Cancer Foundation has a very informative site that outlines the signs and symptoms to look for.
Make sure you consult with your health care provider or with one of the many breast cancer clinics for your individual situation.
Breast Self-Exam
Self-examination helps a woman become familiar with her breasts and notice changes. While many changes are benign, it is the awareness of changes that is important. Medical experts suggest that breast self-examination should be a routine practice. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. website includes a Breast Self-Exam guide that is a great explanation of how to perform a breast self-exam.
Mammograms are Important
Within the heightened publicity of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 20th is National Mammography Day!! National Mammogram Day is the third Friday of every October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Early detection of breast cancer is essential to treat and defeat the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
“[breast cancer] Survival is higher when breast cancer is found before it has spread to other parts of the body. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before big enough to feel or cause symptoms.”
Mammography can usually detect breast tumors before they can be felt or identified through self-examination, according to medical professionals. Mammograms are one of the legs of the three-pronged approach to early breast cancer identification. The importance of breast self-examination and clinical breast examinations cannot be understated.
The Importance of Clinical Breast Exams
A clinical breast exam by your doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant is an important part of early breast cancer detection. This exam can often occur during routine physical checkups. Be your best advocate and ask your medical professional to include a breast exam if not already included.
Clinical exams, breast self-awareness (self-exams), and mammograms are the three important aspects of early breast cancer detection, all of them working together.
I hope that this has raised your awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection and how critical early detection is for successful treatment should breast cancer be identified.
Thank you, Mom, for your strength and inspiration. I love you and I miss you.
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