Pu Niao's
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[ I was debating internally (and probably infernally) on how I should present this blog post, hence the lack of update for yesterday. But I'm glad I found my footing somehow. Read on to find out more about Breast Cancer Awareness. ]

To commemorate BCF’s 15th anniversary, BCF launched a new logo. The new logo comprises two ribbons placed side by side reflecting a heart. The two ribbons represent the changing relationship dynamics of society today - that information dissemination and moral support for breast cancer are no longer driven by women alone but by men as well. The grey ribbon represents the male advocate and the pink ribbon represents the female advocate. By pairing the grey with the pink, BCF is making a bold statement that breast cancer is not only a woman’s issue but jointly a man’s issue. It makes it a societal issue, to be addressed by all. This is the heart of the matter.

So, I was browsing the Internet yesterday and chanced upon this promo on Guardian Pharmacy's Facebook page and decided, what the heck, it's for a good cause. And so, I hiked all the way to the nearest Guardian Pharmacy outlet to grab my copy of the latest Feeling magazine and to grab this Chain of Care as well.

This costs only S$3.90 and all 100% of the proceeds will go towards the Singapore Cancer Society. In other words, Guardian Pharmacy is not earning a single cent from selling this so that cancer patients may benefit from the money for better cancer cure.

It's actually long enough to hang it around your neck. Or if you prefer, detach both trinkets and hang it on your mobile phone, key-chain, bag, which suits you best. But I'd say, wear it on your neck and wear it proud that you are doing something for a good cause.

Breast cancer is a type of cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas, while those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas. Breast cancer occurs in humans and other mammals. While the overwhelming majority of human cases occur in women, male breast cancer can also occur.

The size, stage, rate of growth, and other characteristics of a breast cancer determine the kinds of treatment. Treatment may include surgery, drugs (hormonal therapy and chemotherapy), radiation and/or immunotherapy. Surgical removal of the tumor provides the single largest benefit, with surgery alone curing many cases. To increase the likelihood of cure, several chemotherapy regimens are commonly given in addition to surgery. Radiation is used after breast-conserving surgery and substantially improves local relapse rates and in many circumstances also overall survival. Some breast cancers are sensitive to hormones such as estrogen and/or progesterone, which makes it possible to treat them by blocking the effects of these hormones.

Worldwide, breast cancer accounts for 22.9% of all cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) in women.[5] In 2008, breast cancer caused 458,503 deaths worldwide (13.7% of cancer deaths in women).[5] Breast cancer is more than 100 times more common in women than in men, although men tend to have poorer outcomes due to delays in diagnosis.

Prognosis and survival rates for breast cancer vary greatly depending on the cancer type, stage, treatment, and geographical location of the patient. Survival rates in the Western world are high; for example, more than 8 out of 10 women (84%) in England diagnosed with breast cancer survive for at least 5 years. In developing countries, however, survival rates are much poorer.

Source: Wikipedia

In short, no women wants to get breast cancer and cancer sufferers shouldn't be ostracized nor made to feel like he/she is a burden. Simply put, they didn't ask for it to happen to them. It's akin to a cough or even a fever, it just strikes without warning and sometimes, it tends to strike when you thought/felt that you are at the best moment(s) of your life. And this is why cancer sufferers sometimes feel as if the whole world has abandoned them, which ultimately leads to depression that tends to culminate into suicide.

However, it's not as if it isn't possible to prevent the onslaught of breast cancer. Here's some proven tips to reduce the risk:

• Limit alcohol: The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol — including beer, wine or liquor — limit yourself to no more than one drink a day.
• Control your weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.
• Get plenty of physical activity: Being physically active can help you maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn, helps prevent breast cancer. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity (think brisk walking or swimming) or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (such as running), in addition to strength training exercises at least twice a week. If you're just starting a physical activity program, start slowly and build intensity gradually.
• Breast-feed: Breast-feeding may also play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.
• Discontinue hormone therapy: Long-term combination hormone therapy increases the risk of breast cancer. If you're taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You may be able to manage your symptoms with non-hormonal therapies, such as physical activity. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, consider using the lowest dose that's effective for your symptoms, and plan to use it only temporarily.
• Avoid exposure to environmental pollution: While further studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and exposure to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found in vehicle exhaust and air pollution.

And don't think breast cancer affects only women, men get it too. I know it does sound impossible if you've never heard of it, but it's true. Ultimately, it all boils down to the little simple fact that both men and women have chest (men call it chest, while women refers them to bosom, breasts, etc). And what's visible on your chest/bosom/breasts? It's nipples. The only difference is that men need not wear bras nor have to deal with bra cup sizes while women ranges from A cup to D cup (and maybe more, but that's probably breast implants to go beyond the D cup sphere.)

If you want to grab this badge, it's easy. Just copy the entire code from the text box and paste it either at the end of your blog post(s) or by the side panel to show your support. This badge is 125 x 125, so it should be perfect for use at either side panels of your blog/website.

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/bcf.pink" target="_blank"> <img alt="Breast Cancer Foundation on Facebook" src="http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm306/PuNiaoPuNiao/Blog%20Layout/BCF_Badge.png"/> </a>

Note that this image does not belongs to me, I've only used it to raise awareness for Breast Cancer on my blog. Thank you ^^