Did you know that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer? Fortunately, breast-cancer mortality rates have steadily decreased from 1989 until today. This decrease is believed to be the result of greater awareness, early screening and more effective treatments.
However, mortality rates show only a slight decrease in recent years, which means it is still important to raise awareness and prevent it.
In this Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, We Are Fiber stands in solidarity with “Pink October”, the month dedicated to awareness and support for the awareness, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of breast cancer. The goal of We Are Fiber is to urge and support its employees to pay greater attention to their health.
Here is what our employees received this month:
· Free analysis
· Free breast ultrasound
· Free CA 15-3 (tumour antigen test)
Plus a free swab for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginal infections.
When it comes to health, We Are Fiber offers its employees only the best. We offered all women over the age of 30 the free diagnostic tests mentioned above, at the Microtest Diagnostics Health Clinic.
During the Pink October campaign, we don’t just dress in pink!
From 26 to 28 October, all employees wore pink ribbons to raise awareness of the fight against breast cancer. On 28 October, all We Are Fiber employees dressed in pink to raise awareness of the cause. These small details are very meaningful to us because they remind our employees of the seriousness of this disease and the impact it has not only on women but on the entire community. Every ribbon makes a difference, as it represents a reminder for every strong woman fighting her battle against cancer. But not only that: it is a reminder for everyone that early diagnosis is the best form of prevention!
This month, our CSR goal is to raise awareness of this cause among everyone who gravitates around We Are Fiber and to make breast-cancer fighters and survivors, as well as their loved ones, feel more united. No one fights alone and no one should have to. Here is everything you need to know about this malignant tumour:
Early diagnosis is the most effective treatment!
Breast cancer is often discovered after symptoms appear, but many women who have it initially have no symptoms. This is why regular breast screening is so important. The We Are Fiber tests provided as part of this CSR help detect breast cancer. And, in the event of a concerning result on the screening test (ultrasound) or the analyses, doctors will refer the patients (who in this case are our employees) for further investigation.
But let’s take it step by step: what is a normal breast and what does it look like?
Knowing the appearance and feel of your own breasts is important. No two breasts are the same. What is normal for you might not be for another woman. Most women report having lumpy or irregular breasts. Having your period, becoming pregnant, having children, losing or gaining weight and taking certain medications can have an impact on the appearance and feel of your breasts. As you age, your breasts also tend to change.
It is important to know the appearance and feel of your breasts in order to detect any changes.
However, mammographic screenings should be routine tests carried out once a year, even if you have not noticed any change.
On the subject of changes, here are some of the most common symptoms of breast cancer.
Which symptoms should you watch out for?
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass (although most breast lumps are not cancerous). If it is a hard, painless mass with irregular edges, it is likely to be a tumour. However, it can also be soft, round or cause pain. It is important to emphasize that the symptoms of breast cancer can be different. In fact, as we have already said, some people might have no signs or symptoms. This is why we keep emphasizing the importance of regular screening.
Other warning signs of breast cancer can be:
· Swelling of all or part of the breast (even if no lumps are felt)
· Dimples on the skin (sometimes they look like an orange peel)
· Breast or nipple pain
· Nipple retraction (inward)
· Reddened, dry, flaky or thickened nipple or breast skin
· Nipple discharge (other than breast milk, including blood)
· Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone (this can be a sign of the cancer spreading even before it is large enough to be felt by palpation).
· Any change in the size or shape of the breast. It is important to keep in mind that many of these symptoms can also be caused by benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions, and only by undergoing medical examinations is it possible to find out. In addition, it is important to remember that knowing the symptoms is not a substitute for regular breast-cancer screening.
These examinations help detect breast cancer early, before symptoms appear. Learning about breast cancer in time means greater chances of successful treatment. It is also important to remember that these symptoms could occur due to other conditions not related to cancer.
Breast cancer awareness campaign – not just for a month!
“Pink October” reminds us that our support for those fighting against cancer should not be limited to a single month. Through this social responsibility project, We Are Fiber intends to demonstrate and highlight to its staff that their health is our priority. One of our main pillars is the social impact that We Are Fiber has on its employees and beyond. Therefore, take care of yourself and do not neglect your health!
