BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Breast Cancer & The Importance of Awareness
A Message from the Turvy Family Charity

Breast cancer, one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide, affects countless lives every year. This disease, which primarily affects women but can also occur in men, does not discriminate based on age, race, or socioeconomic status. Early detection, timely treatment, and increased awareness are vital in the fight against breast cancer.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. If not detected and treated in its early stages, these malignant cells can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other body parts. The stages of breast cancer range from stage 0 (non-invasive) to stage IV (metastatic), where the cancer has spread to distant organs.

Importance of Awareness

Awareness plays a crucial role in combating breast cancer:

Early Detection: Regular self-examinations and mammograms can help detect breast cancer at an early stage when it's more treatable. Awareness campaigns educate people about the signs and symptoms to look out for.
Treatment Advancements: As awareness grows, so does funding for research. This leads to advancements in treatments, increasing survival rates.
Support Systems: Awareness brings together communities, fostering a supportive environment for those affected, enabling them to share their stories, and finding comfort in solidarity.

Risk Factors

While the exact cause of breast cancer remains unknown, several risk factors increase its likelihood:

Age: The risk increases as one gets older.
Family History: Those with a close relative diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer may have a higher risk.
Genetic Mutations: Certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly elevate the risk.
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Some forms of HRT can increase the risk.
Radiation Exposure: Exposure to radiation, especially at a young age or in large doses, can elevate the risk.
Personal History: Women who have had certain benign breast diseases or a previous breast cancer diagnosis are at a higher risk.

Signs & Symptoms

Early detection is vital, so it's essential to recognize the signs:

A lump in the breast or underarm
Unexplained pain in the breast or nipple
Nipple discharge, other than breast milk
Changes in breast size or shape
Skin changes on the breast, such as redness or dimpling

Turvy Family Charity's Commitment

The Turvy Family Charity is deeply committed to spreading breast cancer awareness and supporting affected families. Through events, fundraisers, and educational programs, we aim to impact the fight against this disease significantly. We believe that, together, we can create a future where no one fears a breast cancer diagnosis.