Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024: Make a Difference With IMANA

Cancer is the world’s second most prevalent cause of death. According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer has the highest incidence among the different types of cancers in the U.S., with over 313,500 new cases estimated for 2024. Globally, around 2.3 million instances are documented annually. 

Experts estimate that roughly 1 in 8 women in the country will encounter invasive breast cancer cells during her lifetime, offering a stark reflection of this illness’s widespread and persistent presence. White women under 50 are notably more prone to it, with a notable 1.4% annual increase in breast cancer cases.

Addressing this health issue calls for a deeper focus on raising awareness regarding its prevention and treatment. The Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) is stepping up to meet this challenge by sharing crucial facts for prevention and early treatment.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024, observed in October, adopts the comforting message, “No one should face breast cancer alone.” 

In this article, we share risk factors, warning signs, tips for prevention, and more.

Risk Factors in Women

Breast cancer primarily affects women. Certain risk factors predispose them to developing the disease. These include a combination of:

• Being 50 years old or older
• Genetic mutation of breast-cancer-related genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2)
• Early menstrual period and late menopause (after 55)
• Not having children or having them later in life (after age 30)
• Taking supplemental hormones for over 5 years during menopause 
• Ingesting birth control pills
• Breast-related health issues such as a history of the disease, dense breast tissue, and certain benign breast conditions
• Previous radiation therapy to the breast or chest
• Excess weight after menopause
• Exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES)
• Having an inactive lifestyle
• Alcohol consumption

While these are the common risk factors, some may still develop the illness even if they don’t meet these criteria.

Warning Signs

It is important to check for early warning signs which could indicate breast cancer. Here are some things to look out for:

• Development of a new lump in the breast or armpit area
• Pain or swelling of the breast
• Dimpling, redness, flakiness, or irritation of breast skin or nipple area
• Pulling in of the nipple, pain, or discharge  
• Any visible change in the size or contour of the breast

Whether or not you’re prone to breast cancer, consult a doctor if you notice any or a combination of the above symptoms. 

Breast Cancer in Men

Though less than 1% of breast cancer cases affect men, they should still be made aware of their risk factors:

• Old age
• Family history of cancer
• Exposure to radiation therapy
• Previous hormone therapy treatment
• Having extra X chromosomes
• Certain conditions affecting testicles
• Excess weight
• Liver health issues

Men with risk factors should proactively manage their health to prevent developing breast cancer and benefit from early detection. 

Prevention and Treatment

You can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by managing the risk factors within your control. Practice a healthy, active lifestyle. Limit alcohol consumption, avoid smoking, and maintain a healthy diet and weight. 

When it comes to treatment, the process is complex and involves a combination of different modalities, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, and more. This will depend on the patient’s individual case as assessed by their healthcare specialist.  

It is important for patients to have a strong support system while undergoing a treatment program because the experience varies among patients. Some may require radiotherapy and chemotherapy while others may qualify for oral chemotherapy. 

Over 66% of cases are diagnosed at a localized stage, making treatment more effective. It is therefore important to seek medical attention if you see some warning signs to detect any growth and raise chances of survival. 

Closing the Healthcare Gap in Low-Income Countries

We have more cases of cancer today than thirty years ago.  This is generally attributed to genetics and lifestyle. However, statistics show that there is a disparity in the survival rates of women with breast cancer. Most women with breast cancer in high-income countries survive while many of those in low and middle-income countries do not.

For locations with developed healthcare systems like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Turkey, the 5-year survival rate was 89.6% for localized and 75.4% for regional cancer. In third-world countries or locations with less developed healthcare services,  the survival rates were lower at 76.3% and 47.4% for localized and regional breast cancer, respectively.

IMANA and its partners are striving to close this gap by making access to quality healthcare more easily available, regardless of one’s location and economic background. 

Join the Fight: How You Can Help During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Even if you aren’t currently suffering from breast cancer, simple steps can help minimize its incidence and encourage affected women to seek medical care:

• Share stories of survival whether they’re your own or a loved one’s.
• Leave messages of support on social media. If someone you know has breast cancer, let them know you care and are there for them.
• You can also donate to organizations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

These small but meaningful gestures raise awareness, offer support, and ultimately contribute to the fight against breast cancer, making a positive impact on countless lives.

Fight Cancer With IMANA

IMANA believes in the importance of spreading awareness and raising funds for cancer. In 2019, we awarded a $15,000 grant to pay for the cancer diagnosis and treatment of more than 270 patients.

We also collaborated with the Cancer Institute of Guyana (CIG), pledging $50,000 for a modern cancer treatment facility with advanced oncology equipment.

If you’re interested in extending financial assistance, donate to our Guyana cancer treatment fund so we can continue the work that has begun. You can also share this initiative with others who would like to contribute.

Through shared resources, we can reach the fringes of society, allowing the prevention and early detection of cancer.