There are many chronic ailments that affect the human body and cause a lot of pain and discomfort. There are different types of chronic illnesses that affect the functions of particular organs and other physiological systems, and proper treatment is only possible through heavy dose medications, surgical procedures, and therapies. The common chronic diseases include diabetes, heart problems, arthritis, asthma, different types of cancer, Alzheimer’s diseases, Cystic fibrosis, and multiple sclerosis.
Cancer is one of the most common chronic diseases that is usually the uncontrolled growth of unusual cells in the body. Cancer develops when the normal functioning of a particular organ stops working. Normally the old cells always die, and new cells take their place; cancer develops when old cells do not die and grow out of control and form abnormal cells. The extra cells form a mass of tissue which is called a tumor. There are different types of cancer that can affect a person, and some of the common ones are lung cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, blood cancer or leukemia, and thyroid cancer.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that is diagnosed in women after skin cancer. Breast cancer mostly occurs in women, but there are few cases of men getting breast cancer too. Cancer occurs when certain mutations disrupt the natural growth and functioning of cells. The mutations make the cells divide and multiply at an abnormal rate. Breast cancer from the name suggests is the type of cancer that develops in the breast cells. The cancerous cells usually develop in either the lobules or ducts part of the breast. Lobules are the glands that secrete milk, and ducts are responsible for bringing the milk from the glands. There are also cases when cancer develops in the fibrous connective tissue of the breast.
The breast cancer may develop quietly without any noticeable symptoms as a small lump may not be felt but can be seen in a mammogram. The formation of lump and certain common symptoms such as swelling of the breast, flaking of the skin, a lump under your arm, and change in the shape of the breast may indicate the presence of cancerous cells in the breast. Breast cancer is spreading at an alarming rate in both developed and underdeveloped countries, and the number of deaths due to breast cancer is also increasing.
Cancer is a chronic disease, and its treatment is not easy, but the treatment extends for many months and quite costly. The treatment of breast cancer depends on the stage or extent of cancer that has spread in the breast region. The surgical procedures such as mastectomy, lumpectomy, and sentinel node biopsy are all quite expensive and stressful particularly for women and their families who have a moderate income. The radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and pain medications of cancer are also quite costly but necessary in treating and curing chronic illness.
One of the essential factors in controlling breast cancer is to raise awareness among the general population on the symptoms of breast cancer, the prevention methods, and the treatment options. The breast cancer awareness programs are vital in making women and young girls know about breast cancer, which can easily be managed in the initial stages but becomes fatal if cancer has spread in other parts of the body. The breast cancer charity organizations have dedicated the entire month of October to raising breast cancer awareness by organizing social events, conferences, and public events.
The main purpose of the awareness programs and events apart from informing people about the risk of breast cancer is to raise and collect breast cancer fund. In the charity and social events, many affluent business people and celebrities gather around and ask people to donate generously as the funds are needed in managing different aspects of cancer. The charity money or funds donated and collected by the breast cancer organizations is used for wide research in finding out the causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and cure of breast cancer. The goal of the charity organization is to also provide proper treatment and even financial assistance to those affected by breast cancer.
The breast cancer charity organizations all over the world use a pink ribbon as a symbol of breast cancer awareness. Each year there are numerous social events such as walks, concerts, and festivals are held where people participate and become part of the awareness campaign, donations are also collected by the organizers of the event. Every year a good amount of the funds are used in research and other activities such as screening programs, treatment, medications, and therapies.
The cancer research is necessary and has played a significant role in improving treatment options, transforming lives, and providing cost-effective solutions for women who have moderate income or are supported by their families. The main focus of breast awareness campaigns is to educate women and young girls and make them understand the signs, symptoms, and importance of screenings as only early detection of breast cancer can allow fast treatment and cure.
Screenings comprise of certain tests and examination which detect cancer that is either in its initial stage or if it has developed. The size of breast cancer and how much it has spread are the factors that determine the type of treatment which will be given to the women. The early discovery and detection are some of the best ways to manage cancer and improve the survival rate. A delayed detection can also prove to be vital, but then the women would require to undergo high priced surgical procedures and tough chemotherapy treatment.
The funds collected in numerous charity events and campaigns can make cancer screening, medications, surgical procedures, and therapies readily available. The funds also help women living away from developed cities to reduce their cost of coming and going to the city in hopes of getting cancer treatment. The digital mammography has helped in diagnosing the disease. The procedure of a mammography test usually lasts for five minutes and provide physicians and oncologist critical information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
