October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is an annual campaign to increase awareness of breast cancer. The goal is to ensure that every woman has access to education, screening, treatment, support, and hope.
According to the American Cancer Society, there are more than 281,550 new breast cancer cases and nearly 43,600 breast cancer deaths annually. Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second most fatal cancer in women.
This year, more than ever, there is a need to focus on breast cancer. If no action is taken, and with the COVID-19 pandemic still creating chaos around the globe, there is no saying the impact of COVID-19 on breast cancer patients.
The National Cancer Institute projects that pandemic-related delays in diagnosis and treatment disruption could result in 10,000 additional deaths from breast cancer and colorectal cancer over the next ten years. In addition, researchers report that during the COVID-19 pandemic, diagnostic and screening mammograms have decreased by over 80%. There has also been a 50% decline in visits to primary care physicians. All these disruptions in diagnostic tests, lab work, and delayed appointments are likely to impact cancer patients.
As part of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is time to encourage women to get checked, make healthy choices, and take care of their breast health. In addition, people are encouraged to make donations and support this cause so that more and more women can be offered the help and support they need.
Take Action
Educate Yourself:
- Improve your knowledge and increase awareness by educating yourself about breast health. The National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. offers a free eBook, Breast Problems That Aren’t Breast cancer, to help women learn about common breast problems that they may not know about.
- Perform a self-exam monthly. This simple action SAVES LIVES.
- If you or a loved one has had breast cancer share their stories, as knowledge is power.
Regardless of the action, the goal is to spread as much information about breast cancer as possible and ensure we are all better equipped to fight this deadly disease.
Restoring Hope with Areola Restoration
Suppose one or both of your nipples were removed when you had a mastectomy. In that case, you might feel it necessary to recreate the nipple and the areola (the dark area around the nipple) through areola restoration, also known as nipple tattooing. For some, having their nipples reconstructed or tattooed is an important final step in the breast reconstruction process.
Plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting at least 3-4 months after a breast reconstruction surgery to have areola restoration. This will give your breasts time to heal and settle into a final position. It’s also best to wait until you’re fully satisfied with the rest of your reconstruction.
If you are in need of help with the final step in breast reconstruction, The professionals at Laguna Med Spa are here to guide you. We also offer personalized skincare services, injectables, permanent cosmetics, and Botox; learn more about our services on our website. If you are in Parker, CO, or the surrounding Denver metro areas, get in touch with us and schedule a consultation.
