Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020: Early detection can increase the survival rates
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a month set aside to create awareness about this type of cancer that is affecting a large population of women and men in Africa and across the world. It was founded in 1985 by the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical company now known as AstraZeneca who are makers of several anti-breast cancer drugs.
Breast cancer awareness campaign starts every October 1 and ends on October 31 every year and intends to educate people about the importance of early screening, test and more. It tries to make people aware of the need for early detection of breast cancer, its treatment options and prevention methods that can help save lives.
There are about 1.38 million new cases and 458 000 deaths from breast cancer each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide.
In low- and middle-income countries WHO says the incidence has been rising up steadily in the last years due to increase in life expectancy, increase urbanization and adoption of western lifestyles. Currently, there is not sufficient knowledge on the causes of breast cancer, therefore, early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control.
Importance of early detection
Early detection of breast cancer can increase the survival rates of patients. It is therefore important to check for the signs and symptoms of breast cancer which is now also affecting men.
It’s been 35 years of battling breast cancer. This year let’s speak out as one voice both men and women to create awareness of the disease and get tested. #WeArePink #breastcancerwareness #NgaoCredit #MimiNiNgao
— Ngao Credit Limited (@ngaocreditltd) October 14, 2020
When breast cancer is detected early, and if adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured. If detected late, however, curative treatment is often no longer an option.
According to WHO, The majority of deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where most women with breast cancer are diagnosed in late stages due mainly to lack of awareness on early detection and barriers to health services.
Ngao Credit joins the world in marking this month by. You can visit our social media pages to check out the campaign we’re running to mark this month.
Bottom line, regardless of gender, you need to watch out for possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Join us in marking this month – we’re one voice, we’re pink.
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