Cancer Awareness Year-Round

The month of October does not only kickoff the season of fall and give children, and adults, an excuse to eat astonishing amounts of candy on Halloween night, it is also Breast Cancer Awareness month. This is not only observed in the United States of America, but it is recognized around the globe. It is a time when all of mankind raise awareness about not only breast cancer, but various types of cancer and ways to notice it early on. One in eight women will develop a form of breast cancer while one in one thousand men will be diagnosed, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. It is important to conduct self-examinations periodically as well as listening to one’s body and noticing any significant changes to try to catch it in the early stages of formation. In forms of breast cancer, one will usually feel a lump under the skin that is hard to the touch or breasts will be more tender than they were previously. During self examinations, it is also important to recognize any new moles or moles that have begun to change in size or color. Moles that are irregular in shape or color can be indicative of skin cancer. Skin cancer, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is an abnormal growth of skin cells. Skin cancer comes in three major types, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, and are best warded off through the regular application of sunscreen. Taking care of oneself and listening to your body are some of the best ways to detect and treat any problems.