03
October
2024
|
22:10 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

Health and Safety Moment: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

woman holding pink ribbon
woman holding pink ribbon

Breast Cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in Canada.

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, it is essential to remember that a new breast cancer diagnosis occurs every 3 minutes. Knowing the signs to watch for and keeping the following tips in mind can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

The most frequent signs of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, unusual thickening, or changes in the shape or color of the breast. Other signs include:

  • Dimpling or shriveling of the skin
  • Ongoing swelling, redness, or warmth
  • Pain in one specific area that doesn't fluctuate with your menstrual cycle
  • Nipple retraction
  • Sudden nipple discharge from one breast
  • An itchy, sore, or scaly patch on the nipple

Tips to reduce your risk of breast cancer:

  • Get a mammogram: An irregularity seen on a mammogram can be one of the earliest signs of breast cancer, often detectable before any lumps can be felt.
  • Get enough sleep: Studies have shown increased breast cancer risks were associated with sleep deficiency.
  • Be active: Regular exercise is linked to a lower risk of breast cancer.
  • Eating healthy: It is important to stay at a healthy weight. Obesity raises the risk of breast cancer after menopause, the stage of life when breast cancer is most often found.
  • Don’t smoke: Studies indicate that long-term smoking may be linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in certain women.
  • Limit alcohol: Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
  • Breast cancer can happen at any age. If you have concerns regarding your breast health, always speak to your health care provider.

More information on risk factors can be found at the:

Calendar this October:

  • 10th: World Mental Health Day and World Sight Day
  • 12th: World Arthritis Day
  • 17th: Purple Thursday (A day to raise awareness about the intersection between brain injury and interpersonal violence with a goal to eliminate it.)
  • 24th: Brain Cancer Awareness Day
  • 29th: World Psoriasis Day

TELUS Health

Here are some of the services that our EAP provider offers:

  • Short-Term Counselling
  • Legal Advice
  • Resources for Mental Health 
  • Fitness and Health Advice
  • Perks and Savings
  • Financial Health resources
  • Family Relationships

Please log onto the TELUS Health website at: one.telushealth.com or call: 1-844-671-3327

Resources: