Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among Canadian females and affects thousands of women and their families every year.
Breast cancer develops when the breast cells of women are exposed to female hormones estrogen and progesterone. This encourages the growth of some breast cancers.
The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age and usually occurs in women between the ages of 50 and 69.
Some of the factors known to increase the risk of developing breast cancer include family history of breast cancer, taking hormonal contraceptives, drinking alcohol, being obese and smoking. Some myths associated with breast cancer include stress, antiperspirants and breast implants.
None of these factors show enough evidence to prove there is an association with cancer.
Some unknown risk factors (ones that may be a risk factor after more research) include high fat
diets, soy, environmental exposures and low vegetable and fruit diets.
A lot of us think we are invincible but we have to start putting ourselves on the to-do list.
For all the women who have been affected by breast cancer in any way – you are in our thoughts, especially
in the month of October.
Know that the most important thing is to never lose heart and when life kicks you, let it kick you forward.
“When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold.
“They believe that when something’s suffered damage and has a history it becomes more beautiful,” Barbara Bloom said.
No matter what, you will always remain beautiful and no disease shall ever take that away.
If you want to volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society, stop by the office on 332 Front Street or call at 992-6551. At the Canadian Cancer Society, I am constantly surrounded by people who have worked harder, put in more time and have given more effort to their dream than I have mine.
Every day is an inspiration to be more.
There is so much room to grow, so much will to thrive.
I hope you reignite that spark.
Ivana Topic is a volunteer with Canadian Cancer Society, Quesnel office.