The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is an annual international health campaign that increases awareness on breast cancer detection and its treatment. Awareness surrounding breast cancer is very important because, the disease is most treatable when it is detected early. This reason also explains why the breast cancer awareness campaign encourages breast screening. Signs of Breast Cancer may include:
• Lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
• Swelling or thickening of all or part of the breast
• Dimpling or skin irritation of breast skin
• Localized, persistent breast pain
• Redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
• Any change in the size or shape of the breast
When you observe any of these changes, do not panic but consult a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will most likely perform a manual exam and send you for a mammogram. A mammogram examination is painless and only takes about ten minutes.
The female gender is the strongest breast cancer risk factor. Research has shown that approximately 99% of breast cancers occur in women and approximately 0.5-1% of breast cancers occur in men. Yes! Some men do suffer from breast cancer although it rarely happens. Some of the signs associated with breast cancer in men are:
• A lump or swelling in the breast
• Redness or flaky skin in the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Nipple discharge
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
It is important to practice Breast Awareness; check your breast as part of your everyday activities, be it showering, standing in front of your mirror, dressing up or lying down in bed. Being aware of the normal look and feel of your breasts makes it easy to detect any changes that may occur. Do not hesitate. Start practicing breast awareness now!
Dialogue Genitalia - Ghana 
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