Breast Cancer awareness month; beat it before it starts
Words by Imthishal Mohamed
On October of every year countries across the world join hand in hand for a momentous occasion. The atmosphere during this period is a contrasting cocktail of grief, for those we lost and hope, for those we may save. It is true cancer is a beast we have yet to truly overcome, however there is more than one way to fight it. It is precisely the power of this month that has indirectly prevented countless deaths. Through continuous awareness campaigns we now have some control over the limelight. Therefore, using this intensely growing attention, we are able to educate those who are uninformed about early diagnosis and treatment along with a more reassuring angles on how to handle the disease, which in result provides a higher success rate.
I have as much pink as you have” – Evelyn Lauder
The iconic pink ribbon symbolizes a definition that varies from person to person. Regardless, the connotations will forever be in relation to empowerment. In the early 1990’s the 68-year-old Charlotte Haley belonged to a family that suffered viscously from breast cancer. Before the ribbon was commercialized and turned pink, it started out as a peach coloured loop created in the space within her dining room.
Along with the ribbons the brave activist also handed out cards informing citizens about unethical actions taken by The National Cancer Institute; “with an annual budget of 1.8 billion USD, only 5% goes for cancer prevention, help us wake up our legislators and America by wearing this ribbon”. Haley was old fashioned in the best ways, with numerous magazines and businesses offering her national attention and marketable funding, she would always have the very same answer “I want nothing to do with you, you are too commercial”. She preferred to personally hand-make her ribbons and to distribute them on the streets, at local grocery stores and through the classic yet always effective word of mouth.
Evelyn Lauder and Charlotte Haley had similar dreams, except they were from different times. Lauder took a more modern approach by choosing a colour that was scientifically proven to be: life affirming, calming, playful and stress relieving. Margaret Welch, the director of the Colour Association of the United States claimed “Pink is, in other words, everything cancer notably is not”.
There is no harm in getting tested
In 2012 Youlden et al studied breast cancer rates in the Asia-Pacific region, he discovered the incidence cases were “403,876”, while mortality cases were “115,863”. Evidently, concluding that “incidence rates of breast cancer in developing countries through the Asia-Pacific region will continue to increase, early detection and access to optimal treatment are the keys to reducing breast cancer-related mortality”
Universally, one in three women diagnosed with breast cancer are commonly under the age of 50. As we grow older the possible risk of breast cancer increases. In other words, it is our responsibility to muster up the courage and get checked, in order to guarantee our family and ourselves a strong and healthy future. The sooner you get tested the simpler it is to treat and manage the disease, if this is done on time statistically, 9 in 10 women will survive.
How can you get tested?
To emphasize on the gravity of the situation the World Health Organization documented that in Maldives the 7th leading cause of death is in fact breast cancer. So if you are planning to go get a check-up, you are on the right path. Any hospital within the capital such as ADK will provide the tests that are necessary for a diagnosis.
A good example is Tree top hospital, they highlighted “it is the most prominent type of cancer among Maldivian women”. Moreover, to support the well-being of women they offer “comprehensive breast health screening tests”, which involve an ultrasound scan, mammography and specialized consultation.
Lend a helping hand
Cancer is a package deal, as it comes with several limitations and strains on your daily life. One difficulty most people fail to acknowledge is the psychological impact and infinite questions that roam your thoughts tirelessly.
Contact the Cancer society of Maldives to let your mind rest;
Finally, to show some love to our community and those in need of desperate help you can donate to the Cancer society via; BML & Ooredoo. Find more information on their website “cancer.org.mv” Even a cent counts.
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