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October arrives every year like a reminder that health is not something to postpone. Everywhere you look, pink ribbons show up. But behind that ribbon lies a hard fact: breast cancer is rising, hitting younger women, and too often diagnosed late. In 2022, India saw around 1.9 lakh new cases. Awareness by itself won’t save lives, but knowing what to do and doing it can. So, understanding a full body check up tests list that includes breast and overall health screenings can reveal silent risks before symptoms appear. This October, let’s move from “aware” to “active.”
Every October, countries and cancer organisations worldwide join forces to bring attention to breast cancer. The campaign’s purpose goes beyond symbolism; it pushes for real change in screening access, research funding, and public education.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Each year, October serves as a global reminder to stand with those affected by breast cancer. It’s about more than just awareness—it’s about education, early detection, support for patients, and driving research forward.
October 13: Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
This day focuses on the realities of living with advanced breast cancer. It’s a moment to recognize the challenges faced by those with metastatic disease and to amplify their voices.
October 17–23: Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week
Breast cancer doesn’t only affect women. This week highlights the fact that men can be diagnosed too, and it encourages broader understanding and vigilance across all genders.
A Global Push for Equity
The campaign also calls attention to a critical issue: ensuring equal access to diagnosis and treatment, especially in communities that are often overlooked or underserved.
Breast cancer is often silent in its early stages, but consistent checkups and attention to changes can make early detection possible and save lives.
Get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts. Use the pads of your three middle fingers, applying light, medium, and firm pressure to scan all depths (skin, deeper tissue, chest wall). Stand in front of a mirror first, then lie down and repeat the movements, and don’t forget the underarms. If you don’t menstruate, pick a fixed day each month so you stay consistent.
A trained medical professional can often spot things you might miss, such as changes in shape, skin, or subtle thickening. In India, women in their 30s are advised to have one every 1 to 3 years, and after 40, it’s safer to do it annually.
For women with average risk, mammography every one to two years between the age of 40 and 74 is standard in many guidelines. In India, the Breast Imaging Society recommends starting mammogram screening at 40 years, by searching for a diagnostic centre near me. If your risk is higher, for example, due to family history or genetic predisposition, doctors may recommend earlier mammograms with an MRI.
Every woman’s risk is shaped by many factors: family history, age at first period, late menopause, obesity, alcohol use, hormone therapy, and more. If you have a first-degree relative with early breast cancer or a known BRCA variant, your screening plan must adapt. Share your full family and health history with your doctor so you can figure out the right path ahead.
A clean diet, regular activity, and a healthy weight help lower risks not just for cancer but for other diseases too. Choose more whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. Reduce consumption of alcohol and avoid tobacco. If possible, breastfeed, as it lowers breast cancer risk.
When you visit a lab, ask them to bundle breast screening with your routine health tests. A full body check up tests list can include cardiac, liver, thyroid, hormonal, and inflammatory markers. They will provide a 360-degree view of your health.
If you notice a new lump, discharge, skin dimpling, thickening, or nipple changes, don’t hesitate. Go immediately to the nearest diagnostic centre and ask for further imaging or biopsy. Early response often means more options, less aggressive treatment, and better outcomes.
October is your reminder to pause and look after yourself. Awareness means little if it ends with a pink ribbon. Breast cancer can be found early when you stay regular with screenings and routine health tests, including advanced tests like BRCA variant analysis. At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, you can book a full body check up tests list that covers every aspect of your wellbeing, including breast health. The team combines advanced technology with expert care so you feel supported at every step. Make this the month you act. Visit our lab and choose early detection over uncertainty.
Also read: Benefits Of A Whole Body Blood Test For Early Detection
