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 October ushers in some pretty big doings in the pagan community. Of course there is the most sacred of sabbats -- Samhain, and this is also the time of year when many people prepare for the Yule/Winter Solstice season as well.
But for us witches of the female persuasion, it also brings the thoughts of health and well being, because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
In 2007, wew cases of breast cancer in the United states are estimated to be
178,480 (female); 2,030 (male). Of these an estimated 40,460 (female)
and 450 (male) will die from the disease. (National Cancer Institute
figures).
With these frightening statistics, I would urge all ladies (and men as well) to be vigilant with monthly self-breast examinations, and to tell your doctor immediately if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
From the National Breast cancer Awareness website:
One of the earliest signs of breast cancer can be an abnormality that
shows up on a mammogram before it can be felt. The most common signs of
breast cancer are a lump in the breast; abnormal thickening of the
breast; or a change in the shape or color of the breast. Finding a lump
or change in your breast does not necessarily mean you have breast
cancer. Additional changes that may also be signs of breast cancer
include:
- Any new, hard lump or thickening in any part of the breast
- Change in breast size or shape
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Swelling, redness or warmth that does not go away
- Pain in one spot that does not vary with your monthly cycle
- Pulling in of the nipple
- Nipple discharge that starts suddenly and appears only in one breast
- An itchy, sore or scaling area on one nipple
Mammography screening remains the best available method to detect
breast cancer early. However, no medical test is always 100 percent
accurate, and mammography is no exception. Research is under way to
improve the technology to lead to better accuracy and to create new
technologies.
In 1992, the U.S. Congress passed the Mammography Quality Standards Act
to ensure that mammography facilities throughout the country are of
high quality and are reliable. To lawfully perform mammography, each
facility must prominently display a certificate issued by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA). This certificate serves as evidence that
the facility meets quality standards.
It is important for women to practice the elements of good breast health. It is suggested women:
- Obtain regular mammography screening starting at the age of 40
- Obtain annual clinical breast exams
- Perform monthly breast-self exams
- Obtain a risk assessment from a physician
Even though I am a couple of years shy of 40 yet, I am still making an appointment for a mammogram this year...and I urge everyone else to do the same.
Many thanks to the SexyWitchBlog for featuring the wonderful art of JFury @ deviantART (who created the sexy witch image above).
Be well everyone and blessings bright!
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