Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What to Know and How to Support

It is a fact that the spread of Covid-19 has taken away our attention from several health risks and concerns, which is the same reason why Breast Cancer Awareness Month observed in October should be given importance.

Breast cancer in Singapore is a serious issue as one out of thirteen women before the age of 75 years old in the country is likely to be diagnosed with it. Several studies also reveal that one person in the world is diagnosed with every nineteen seconds.

It is important to know the early symptoms, detection, and treatment of breast cancer as its early stage may not show any symptoms. But the good news is that proper screening can detect the cancer and it comes with a ninety-five percent success rate for treatment. According to doctor Jendana, general surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Hospitals and Parkway East Hospital, Singapore, “Patients often live a long life, we are talking about twenty to thirty years, with adequate and appropriate treatment.”

The national breast cancer screening programme in Singapore has a very less participation rate. A popular survey conducted by the Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF) during the year 2017 revealed that only sixty-two people underwent a self-examination check. We must encourage more women to participate in the screening programme.

The best way to protect yourself is to go for mammograms regularly as monthly examinations keep you aware of the changes in your breasts. 

Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Here are some ways to offer your support to make a difference in the lives of breast cancer fighters:

Donate Directly 

BCF works to raise breast cancer awareness and supports its early detection through public events; the organization also supports cancer survivors and their families through training and counseling. A donation from your side can be a great support to people fighting the ailment and the organization’s initiatives. 

Don a Pink Ribbon 

By donning a pink ribbon, a sign of solidarity and hope for the fighters, you initiate a conversation on breast cancer. It would also be a good push for someone to book a screening. 

Shop for a Cause

Several companies in Singapore support BCF campaigns by donating a portion of their sales proceeds. By shopping our essentials from such brands, we lend our support in the smallest means possible. One such brand is Breathe Essentials.

The co-founder of Paktor and a breast cancer survivor, Charlene Koh, recently launched Breathe Essentials to support Breath Cancer Awareness Month. This homegrown brand aims to provide year-round support and commitment to several awareness programmes.

Involve in Corporate Friends of BCF programme

Corporate Friends of BCF programme actively aims to establish a network of corporate donors to support work structured by BCF. Revamped in 2015, the programme gained interest from many organizations in our country from different backgrounds ever since.

Through this programme, BCF strives to offer financial support for patients as well as for survivors. They also conduct many awareness campaigns by making sure the active involvement of individuals through volunteering activities. Volunteering opportunities are open during breast cancer awareness month. We can take part in Pink Ribbon Walk , wear the Pink Ribbon and other yearly campaigns.

Such initiatives are important to make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling with breast cancer. It is even more important as the pandemic would have made people stay away from the thought of it. A small thought can go a long way. Do not wait to make a difference!