CELEBRATING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: OCTOBER
- Olive Leaf Extract
- Oct 18, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 7, 2024
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, October brings more than just the beauty of autumn—it marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor the courageous women who have battled breast cancer and those who continue to fight this challenging disease. It’s a month dedicated to raising awareness, fostering education, and supporting the cause that touches so many lives. With 1 in 8 women in the United States affected by breast cancer, this month serves as an important reminder for all of us to take charge of our health.
The pink ribbon, now an iconic symbol recognized worldwide, represents hope, strength, and solidarity. In this blog, we'll delve into the history of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlight the importance of early detection, explore preventive measures, and share ways to get involved.
History Of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, starting in the early 1980s, promotes mammograms, early detection, treatment, and fundraising for research and support. The pink ribbon, introduced in 1991 by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, symbolizes hope globally. This initiative has increased breast cancer awareness and improved treatment and now involves global events, emphasizing health and support for those affected. Let's honor its history and aim for a future without breast cancer.
October breast cancer awareness month
Early Detection Saves Lives!
In the battle against breast cancer, early detection is paramount. According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early and is still in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is an impressive 99%. Early detection opens the door to more treatment options and significantly increases the chances of survival.
Tips for Early Detection:
Regular Self-Exams and Mammograms: Routine breast self-exams and mammograms are crucial for catching any abnormalities or changes in the breast tissue. Proactivity is key in early detection.
Awareness of Body Changes: Pay attention to any changes in your body, such as lumps, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge, or skin changes like redness or dimpling.
Family History and Risk Factors: Stay informed about your family history of breast cancer and understand any potential risk factors you may have.
By staying informed, taking preventive measures, and scheduling regular check-ups with healthcare professionals, we can catch breast cancer in its earliest stages and reduce its impact.
INTERESTING FACTS:
The lifetime risk of breast cancer in the U.S. is about 1 in 8 for women and 1 in 833 for men.
Dense breasts can be 1.5 to 2 times more likely to develop cancer. If you have dense breasts, ask your doctor about additional screening tests, like ultrasound or MRI, to check for tumors that mammography might miss.
Research shows only 5-10% of breast cancers are hereditary.
Black women are more likely to develop breast cancer before age 50.
6 Things You Can Do to Prevent Breast Cancer:
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, several natural strategies and lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk:
Power of Antioxidants and Polyphenols: A diet rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, helps protect the body from cellular damage that can lead to breast cancer. Olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, contains oleuropein, a compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Olive leaf extract is another powerful source of oleuropein.
Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Habits: Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and consuming a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, berries, and leafy greens can significantly reduce cancer risk. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption also support an anti-inflammatory approach.
Reduce or Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is linked to various cancers, including breast cancer. Even light and moderate drinking can increase the risk.
Adopt a Healthy Eating Pattern: Avoid heavily processed foods, which are linked to an increased risk of colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancers.
Practice Stress Management: Chronic stress weakens immune function and can cause hormonal imbalances, contributing to breast cancer development. Manage stress through a healthy work-life balance and relaxation techniques.
Find Safer Ways for Hormone Replacement Therapy: Hormone replacement therapy can raise the risk of breast cancer. Explore safer alternatives to manage menopause symptoms.
POLYPHENOLS AND BREAST CANCER:
And yes, polyphenols like oleuropein (OLE), found in olive leaves and fruits, have been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.
Cell viability: High concentrations of OLE can reduce the viability of breast cancer cells.
Cell cycle: OLE can slow down the cell cycle at the S phase, preventing further cell division.
Apoptosis: OLE can initiate apoptosis in breast cancer cells via the mitochondrial pathway.
NF-κB: OLE has the ability to suppress NF-κB and its downstream target, cyclin D1.
E2-dependent activation: OLE can block E2-dependent activation of extracellular regulated kinase 1/2.
As a phenolic compound in the secoiridoid family, OLE shares a structural similarity with estrogen, which is known to promote the growth of breast tumors. This similarity suggests that OLE could interact with estrogen receptors, potentially slowing the progression of hormone-related cancers.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month offers numerous ways to show support and make a difference. Here are some ideas:
Wear a Pink Ribbon: Use this iconic symbol to start conversations about breast cancer and encourage others to get informed.
Participate in Fundraising Events: Join charity walks, runs, or other events to raise funds for research and support programs.
Host an Awareness Event or Fundraiser: Organize a bake sale, a pink-themed dress-down day at work, or a virtual event to educate others about breast cancer.
Utilize Social Media: Share educational resources, personal stories, and donation links on your social platforms to spread awareness.
Every action, big or small, makes a difference. Together, let’s stand in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer and work toward a future where no one has to face this disease alone. has to face this disease alone.
Please like and share with your friends to help increase awareness and get involved in this important cause!
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Thanks for sharing!
Early detection saves lives!