October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Each October, the country celebrates National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the form of walks, speeches, fund-raisers, and other fun filled events during this important month of reflection and awareness.  All of us have been touched by cancer in some form or another. The fight against breast cancer will never end.  We can simply do our part and remain educated and work together to finally find a cure to stop this devastating disease.

All of us have been touched by cancer in some form or another.

Understanding the basics of breast cancer:

Definition of breast cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.

Estimated new cases and deaths from breast cancer in the United States in 2009:

New cases: 192,370 (female); 1,910 (male)

Deaths: 40,170 (female); 440 (male)

National Cancer Institute

Screening and Testing:

Many changes occur in your breasts during the course of a lifetime. So, it is important to understand the structure of your breast and the signs to watch for in case there is anything abnormal. If you are uncertain, please read these signs:

• A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
• Bloody discharge from the nipple
• Change in the size or shape of a breast
• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
• Inverted nipple
• Peeling or flaking of the nipple skin
• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange

When to see a doctor

If you find a lump or other change in your breast — even if a recent mammogram was normal — make an appointment with your doctor

– The Mayo Clinic

To promote awareness and celebrate life, here is list of events in October in the Atlanta Area:

• “Pink Passion for Bridal Fashion” gown sale will donate proceeds to the Susan G. Komen for Cure Greater Atlanta. The sale runs 1-6 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Holiday Inn in Roswell. Admission is $5 in advance, $10 day-of.
• Whole Health Expo will include mammograms, heart health screenings, flu shots, children’s activities and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. It’s free, but individual checks might cost or require pre-registration. It runs 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 5, and benefits the American Cancer Society.
• “The Pink Party: A Celebration of Survivorship,” features health screenings, shopping, music, kid’s area and survivor parties. Admission is $25 and it runs 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 10  at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
• VIPink Fri, Oct 16 – VIPink will be the hottest, most vibrant, private event in Celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Atlanta. Make sure that you don’t miss out on being a VIP.
• Tour de Pink is a one-day benefit bike ride for the Young Survivors Coalition. It rolls out from Perimeter Mall on Oct. 17 with different races and rides for different skill levels.
• “The Softer Side” show opening explores the technique and inspiration of women artists, including Lorraine Christie, Nancy Franke, Marti Somers, Angie Renfro, Lisa Meyer Kairos, Susan Spies, Peggy Everett, Christina Doelling and others, and serves as a fund-raiser for breast cancer awareness. The free opening is 6-8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Huff Harrington Fine Art in Atlanta.
• Party in Pink Sat, Oct 24 – Pink Heals Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young women regain confidence after the completion of cancer treatment, is set to host their first fundraising event on October 24th at Aurum – the first big event at midtown’s newest hotspot.

*ChandCare Health Solutions will be walking around the city of Atlanta in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We will be dressed in pink and contributing to the National Cancer Society.