Breast cancer awareness/ How Menopause changes women's lives LOH #258

Hello everyone, welcome to blog! ❤️‍🩹

It's pink October and breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer, a time to reflect on the impact of this disease on our lives and the lives of those around us. As I look back on my own experiences, I'm reminded of the devastating loss of my aunt, who succumbed to breast cancer after a three-year battle. Her story is a painful reminder of the importance of early detection and the need for every woman to take charge of her breast health.

My aunt's journey began with a small lump in her breast, which she dismissed as insignificant. It wasn't until the cancer had progressed to stage two that she sought medical attention. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and fighting valiantly, the cancer had spread too far, and she eventually lost her battle. It's a tragic reminder that breast cancer can affect anyone, and it's crucial that we take every precaution to detect it early.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer accounts for approximately 25% of all cancer cases in women. In Nigeria, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, with over 27,000 new cases diagnosed annually.

The Importance of Early Detection

The key to surviving breast cancer is early detection. When breast cancer is detected at an early stage, the chances of survival are more higher. However, many women in Nigeria, including my aunt, often ignore early warning signs or don't take them seriously enough. This delay in seeking medical attention can have devastating and very bad consequences that could cost ones life.

Every woman should make it a habit to check her breasts regularly for any changes. This includes looking for lumps, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge, or skin dimpling. If you notice any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to see a doctor. A simple mammogram or even an ultrasound can detect breast cancer early, when it's more treatable. Sometimes not every changes on the breast automatically means a woman has breast cancer, it could be hormonal changes and nothing serious, it's always best to go for a checkup if you notice any strange or abnormalities on your breasts, a simple check-up could save your life.

Menopause and Breast Health

Menopause is a natural part of a woman's life, marking the end of her reproductive years. During this time, hormonal changes can affect breast tissue, leading to changes in breast size, density, or texture. While these changes are normal, it's essential to remain vigilant and continue checking your breasts regularly.

Menopause can also increase the risk of breast cancer, particularly if a woman has a family history of the disease. Hormone replacement therapy, can also increase breast cancer risk, so it's important to discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.

Taking Charge of Your Breast Health

As women, we often prioritize the health and well-being of our loved ones over our own. However, it's essential to remember that our health is just as important. By taking charge of our breast health, we can reduce our risk of breast cancer and improve our chances of survival if we do develop the disease.

Here are some steps you can take 👇

• Perform regular breast self-exams to detect any changes
• Schedule annual mammograms or ultrasounds, especially if you're over years old 40.
• Discuss your breast cancer risk with your doctor, particularly if you have a family history.
• Avoid delaying medical attention if you notice any breast changes.

My aunt's story is a painful reminder of the importance of early detection and the need for every woman to take charge of her breast health. By being proactive and vigilant, we can reduce our risk of breast cancer and improve our chances of survival. Let's make breast health a priority and support each other in this fight against breast cancer.

And it's a wrap on today's blog
See you on the next one. ❤️‍🩹