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Early Recognition Saves Lives

Breast Cancer Education is Key

Breast cancer education is essential in the fight against breast cancer. By spreading awareness and providing accurate information, we empower individuals to take proactive steps toward prevention and early detection. Education about risk factors, symptoms, and screening methods, such as mammograms, can significantly increase the chances of catching breast cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable. Moreover, understanding the importance of lifestyle choices, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful substances, can further reduce the risk. Our goal is to equip everyone with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their loved ones, fostering a community where informed decisions lead to better health outcomes.

Risk Factors

Understanding the risk factors associated with breast cancer is crucial for early detection and prevention. Here are some key factors to be aware of:
  • Alcohol: Consuming more than one alcoholic drink a day increases your risk of developing breast cancer.
  • Obesity: Being overweight, particularly after menopause, can significantly raise your risk due to higher estrogen levels in the body.
  • Smoking: Tobacco use is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, especially in premenopausal women.
  • Inactive Lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain and higher estrogen levels, both of which are risk factors for breast cancer.
  • Radiation Exposure: Exposure to radiation, particularly to the chest area at a young age, can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer later in life.
  • Family History / Genetics: Having close relatives with breast cancer, especially at a young age, or inheriting specific genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly raises your risk.
  • Age: Approximately 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer each year are 45 years old or older.
  • Gender: Being a woman is the most significant risk factor for breast cancer, though men can also develop the disease.
Awareness of these risk factors can help you take proactive measures to reduce your risk and ensure early detection.

Signs and Symptoms

Get used to the way your breasts look and feel normally. Here’s what to look out for:
  • Lump or Thickening: Any lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area that persists through your menstrual cycle.
  • Change in Size or Shape: Noticeable changes in the size, shape, or appearance of your breasts.
  • Skin Changes: Dimpling, puckering, or redness of the skin on the breast.
  • Nipple Changes: Inverted nipples or sudden nipple discharge, especially if it’s bloody.
  • Pain: Persistent pain in any area of the breast that is not related to your menstrual cycle.
  • Swelling: Unexplained swelling of the breast, especially if it affects only one side.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider promptly. Early detection is key to effective treatment and better health outcomes.
Watch Video
Armpit Pain
Skin Irritation
Change In How The Nipple Looks
Skin Dimpling
Nipple Discharge
Visible Lump
Lumping Or Thickening
Dimpling
Skin Texture Change
Pulled In Nipple

Cancer Classification and Stages

Classified by (1) size and location of tumor (2) whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body (3) grade of tumor, or how likely it is to grow/spread (4) Whether certain biomarkers – hormone receptors or other proteins – have been formed

Stage One: Size and location of tumor

The tumor is very small and either has not spread or may have a tiny bit of spread in nearby lymph node. A cancer that has spread into the surrounding area is referred to as invasive breast cancer.

Stage Two: Whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body

The tumor is larger than at stage 1 and may have spread to a few nearby lymph nodes.

Stage Three: Grade of tumor, or how likely it is to grow/spread

The tumor is larger than at stage 2 and/or has spread to several lymph nodes and/or tissue around the breast or breast bone.

Stage Four: Whether certain biomarkers - hormone receptors or other proteins - have been formed

The cancer has metastasized, or become mobile, and spread to distant parts of the body, typically the bones, lungs, or liver. This is an advanced stage of cancer, called metastatic breast cancer.

Breast Self-Exam
(Teach the Teachers)

Visual Inspection
  • Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your side
  • Look for changes in size, shape, or contour
  • Check for dimpling, puckering, or changes in skin texture
  • Note any changes in the position or appearance of your nipples
  • Repeat the steps above with your arms in the air
  • Look for fluid: gently squeeze each nipple and check for discharge – this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid, or blood.

Breast Self-Exam
(Teach the Teachers)

Lie On Your Back
  • Check for lumps or abnormalities by feeling your breasts while lying down
  • Use the opposite hand to examine each breast, using a circular motion and different pressure levels
  • Pay attention to the underarm area and around the collarbone

Breast Self-Exam
(Teach the Teachers)

Standing or Sitting
  • Check for lumps using circular motions while standing or sitting
  • Many women find that its easier to feel for lumps when their skin is wettened, so doing this step in the shower is recommended

Introducing the E.R.I.C. Promise Bracelet, in Partnership with LadyBWell

Crafted with love in Southern India, the E.R.I.C. Promise Bracelet is a creation of passionate, differently-abled artisans who share our vision. This bracelet isn’t just an accessory; it’s a daily reminder that breast cancer, with early detection, is largely preventable. It symbolizes the responsibility to perform regular breast self-exams and make healthy life choices. Wear it with pride, affirming your commitment to your health.

E.R.I.C. and LadyBWell are united in spreading the message: early detection is crucial in the fight against breast cancer, a disease that affects women of all ages. Let’s challenge the myths that breast cancer only impacts older women or is incurable. In truth, it affects younger women globally, and most lumps are discovered by individuals themselves.

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The Symbolism of Your Promise Bracelet

  • The largest bead represents the average size of a lump found through self-detection.
  • The second-largest bead signifies the size detected through skilled manual examination.
  • The #10mmYouWin shiny blue bead: This represents detections made by professionals using certified techniques. International studies show that breast cancer is 99% curable when lumps are detected at or under ten millimeters in diameter or less.
  • The two smallest beads symbolize detections through mammograms, sonograms, and advanced technologies.

 

Your Promise Bracelet is a symbol of the powerful link between personal vigilance (‘me- tech’) and professional healthcare (‘high-tech’). Early detection means a future filled with health and happiness.

#10mmYouWin: Embrace It as Your Goal. Simple. Powerful. True.

The E.R.I.C. Promise Bracelet, in Partnership with LadyBWell

By combining personal vigilance with professional support, we empower women to take charge of their health and happiness.

Join our global movement. Wear your Promise Bracelet proudly as a conversation starter and be a part of educating, screening, and saving lives. With E.R.I.C. and LadyBWell, let’s play it forward and protect the lifelong happiness of our loved ones.

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Q & A:

What causes Breast Cancer?
There are different factors that predispose one to cancer, these include: age, exposure to radiation, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity / obesity; to name a few
Is breast cancer contagious?
You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else’s body
Can a breast feeding mother spread breast cancer to the baby?
No
Is there a vaccine for breast cancer?
There is no vaccine but treatment is available to improve survival rates
Is family planning a specific cause of breast cancer?
Studies suggest that hormonal birth control can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. However the benefits of birth control often outweigh the risks
If the lump is cut out, can I still get breast cancer?
Once a lump is cut out, it’s taken for further test to rule out whether it’s cancerous or not. The risk for developing cancer is determined by those results

Myths and Facts

Understanding the truth about breast cancer is essential for effective prevention, detection, and treatment. Many misconceptions surround this disease, leading to unnecessary fear and confusion. By debunking common myths and presenting the facts, we aim to provide clarity and empower individuals with accurate information. Here are some prevalent myths about breast cancer and the corresponding truths.

Myth

Only women with a BRCA gene
mutation can get breast cancer.

Truth

While the BRCA gene mutations increase the risk of breast cancer, the majority of breast cancers occur in women without these mutations. Regular screenings are essential for all women, regardless of genetic factors.

Myth

Cancer is all about genetics.

Truth

While they can play a role, your lifestyle choices such as your diet, physical activity, and environmental factors also influence your chances of getting cancer.

Myth

Cancer is always a death sentence.

Truth

It’s not over! Many people survive cancer and thrive after it. The U.S. cancer death rate has dropped by 33% since 1991, primarily due to advancements in treatments, improved early detection, and a significant decrease in to bacco use.

Myth

Cancer screenings are only necessary if you have symptoms.

Truth

Regular screenings, even in the absence of symptoms, are crucial for early detection and improved cancer outcomes.

Myth

Only women can get breast cancer.

Truth

It’s most common in women but men can also develop breast cancer. It accounts for a small percentage of breast cancer cases.

Myth

If you have no family history of cancer, you won't get it.

Truth

Many people with cancer have no family history of the disease. While family history does influence your cancer risk, other factors such as lifestyle choices and random genetic mutations also contribute to the development of cancer.

Myth

Cancer is a single disease with a single cure.

Truth

There are no universal cure for all types of cancer. Since each cancer has its own characteristics and challenges, treatment approaches vary.

Myth

All lumps in the breast are cancerous.

Truth

A lot of breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous) and can be caused by various factors such as cysts or fibroadenomas. However, any new or unusual lump should be evaluated by a healthcare professional!

Facts

Breast cancer is a critical global health issue, affecting millions of women around the world. There are notable differences in incidence and mortality rates between high-income and low to middle-income countries. Understanding these facts emphasizes the importance of early detection, equitable access to treatment, and ongoing international efforts to reduce the impact of this disease.
  • Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women; only lung cancer kills more women each year
  • The chance that a woman will die from breast cancer is about 1 in 39 (about 2.5%)
  • Breast cancer death rates have been decreasing steadily since 1989, for an overall decline of 43% through 2020
  • As breast a cancer mortality has decreased in high income countries such as the USA, mortality rates have increased in low/middle income countries such as Colombia.
    • Incidence rates, the number of people being afflicted with breast cancer, have remained relatively constant in higher income countries, but are on the rise lower to medium income countries.
    • This has lead to breast cancer becoming the cancer accounting for the most deaths in over 110 countries, concentrated mostly in low and middle income countries
  • When breast cancer is detected at an early stage, treatment is more effective and a cure is more likley.
    • In high-income countries, breast cancer is often diagnosed at an early stage and the prognosis is good
    • In low/middle income countries, however, breast cancer is more often diagnosed at a later stage after the disease has progressed, and survival is poorer.
    • Five year survival is 85% or higher in the US, Canada, Australia, and many Northern and Western European countries
    • While it is 60% or lower in many lower to middle income countries, such as Colombia, Uganda, and Venezuela, and India
  • Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women; only lung cancer kills more women each year
  • The chance that a woman will die from breast cancer is about 1 in 39 (about 2.5%)
  • Breast cancer death rates have been decreasing steadily since 1989, for an overall decline of 43% through 2020
  • As breast a cancer mortality has decreased in high income countries such as the USA, mortality rates have increased in low/middle income countries such as Colombia.
    • Incidence rates, the number of people being afflicted with breast cancer, have remained relatively constant in higher income countries, but are on the rise lower to medium income countries.
    • This has lead to breast cancer becoming the cancer accounting for the most deaths in over 110 countries, concentrated mostly in low and middle income countries
  • When breast cancer is detected at an early stage, treatment is more effective and a cure is more likley.
    • In high-income countries, breast cancer is often diagnosed at an early stage and the prognosis is good
    • In low/middle income countries, however, breast cancer is more often diagnosed at a later stage after the disease has progressed, and survival is poorer.
    • Five year survival is 85% or higher in the US, Canada, Australia, and many Northern and Western European countries
    • While it is 60% or lower in many lower to middle income countries, such as Colombia, Uganda, and Venezuela, and India

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Copyright © 2024 E.R.I.C. Early Recognition is Critical. All rights reserved. Designed and Developed by Miller Ad Agency.
Copyright © 2024 E.R.I.C. Early Recognition is Critical. All rights reserved. Designed and Developed by Miller Ad Agency.