A breast cancer awareness poster is one of the ways to educate people about the symptoms, risks and treatment of breast cancer. It helps combat the stigmas in our society by providing authentic information to patients. A more effective approach like campaign drives and rallies can help spread awareness for breast cancer and can lead to early detection of the condition and reduce fatalities. Awareness campaigns promote healthy living.
Breast Cancer Disease
Breast cancer occurs when breast cells’ genes mutate or change due to natural or environmental factors. The cell grows out of control and forms a tumour, a mass of cells in the affected area. The worst part is that it can spread to other non-infected breast cells and other parts of the body and form tumours. This process is called metastasis.
Who Can Develop Breast Cancer
The disease mostly occurs in women over 50 years of age. But, it can happen at any age. Though men can have breast cancer, the chances are rare. Also, the condition is common in transgender women, and transgender men are less prone to it.
Breast cancer awareness poster explaining Symptoms
The symptoms may vary from patient to patient. However, common signs of breast cancer include;
- Change in contour, shape and size of the breast.
- A small pea-size mass accumulation over the affected area.
- Thickening in breast or underarm.
- Change in skin colour and look of the nipple.
- Redness on nipple or breast.
- A blood-like fluid discharge from the nipple.
Causes
Breast cancer happens when abnormal or affected cells divide and multiply. However, doctors do not know the exact causes of it. But, some studies have mentioned the following risk factors that may contribute to breast cancer. These include;
- Age- Being 50+ can increase chances.
- Sex- Women are more likely to develop the disease than men.
- Genetics and family history- Abnormal genes inherited from parents increase the probabilities.
- Alcohol use- Drinking access to alcohol at more than normal levels daily can put people at risk.
- Smoking- Smoking involves tobacco which has been linked to causing cancer.
- Radiation- Radiation therapy, especially on the neck, chest and head, may cause gene mutation.
Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast cancer awareness poster is a movement that aims to aware women about breast cancer. The campaign provides information regarding the symptoms and treatment of breast cancer. Supporters believe that providing correct knowledge about the disease can lead to better treatment outcomes.
As a result of these campaigns, there has been an increase in the number of cases detected and women needing treatment. Now, these cases of breast cancer are being treated at a stage when the disease is more treatable.
In many countries, breast cancer awareness is held in October, which is also known as Pinktober. During this breast cancer awareness month, many events such as conferences, bicycle rises, foot races, etc are organised. Through these events, all the supporters come together to develop awareness about breast cancer among women and build funds for breast cancer research.
Breast Cancer Awareness Promotion Ways
A woman should know about breast cancer awareness so that she can participate in the campaign and get familiar with the symptoms and treatment of the disease.
Here are the ways women and other interested people can promote and be a part of breast cancer awareness month:
- Pink ribbon – The pink ribbon is a breast cancer awareness symbol. The ribbon symbolises that there is hope for better treatment outcomes. Supporters wear this ribbon to show their support for the patients who are fighting breast cancer. People also wear pink clothes along with this cancer symbol to show that the campaign has become successful across the globe.
- Volunteering – Various volunteer organizations at national and international levels spread breast cancer awareness among people. Interested people join these organizations and help others in organising events.
- Share informative data – Sharing statistics, facts and other information with women can help them to treat their condition at the right time. People can make breast cancer awareness posters to share the information.
- Find raising – Research initiatives play a vital role in spreading awareness for breast cancer. These initiatives help breast cancer patients to know about the disease. Therefore, people should find these research initiatives so that they can do more research and discover treatment options and prevention methods for breast cancer.
- Invite a cancer survivor – Many cancer patients have survived after the treatment. Inviting these cancer survivors to the events can help in spreading breast cancer awareness. These people can easily connect with others by sharing their stories and how they have overcome their troubles. This will motivate others to stay positive and face their own problems.
- Conducting a webinar – An oncologist or surgical oncologist is a cancer specialist. People organizing awareness events should request oncologists breast surgeon or breast specialists to conduct a webinar so that they can advise the patients on the symptoms and risks of breast cancer. A question-answer session at the end of the webinar will enable the parents to clarify their doubts.
- Use social media – Nowadays, every person is on social media. Hence people can various social media platforms to spread awareness of breast cancer among netizens using images, posts and videos.
- Help cancer patients – People can help their loved ones diagnosed with cancer in various ways. They can organize family get-togethers and ask patient’s friends and co-workers to catch up. These meetings can encourage them and gives them hope to fight cancer.
- Improve knowledge about cancer screening – Many women don’t realize they have cancer until it is diagnosed. Knowing the risks can help detect the disease early so relevant treatment can be given. People should educate their female friends or family members about cancer screening methods and encourage them to go for regular checkups.
- Make a creative bulletin board – The best way to spread awareness about any concept is to make creative posters and pictures and put them in densely populated areas or high-traffic zones where people can see them. Write some statistics and facts to make them engaging and informative. Make a pink tree board to ask for donations and include notes to survivors who have been through breast cancer to increase support.