Each year, countries globally observe the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a public campaign geared towards lending support to those living with breast cancer while educating women and men about the importance of early screening for breast cancer.

Contrary to popular belief, both men and women can develop breast cancer at some stage throughout their lives.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is most common in women but men can also get breast cancer. In the United States, one out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed are found in men.

Locally, data from the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) suggests that breast cancer is the leading cancer among Jamaican women followed by cervical cancer, with approximately 300 women dying annually due to breast cancer.

As countries observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there are some early warning signs of breast cancer that can assist men and women to determine whether to seek medical attention to aid in early treatment, thus expanding their life expectancy.

Warning signs:

• Nipple discharge
• Swelling or lump in the breast
• discharge from the nipple other than breast milk
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or the collarbone
• Dimpling of the skin of the breast
• pain in the breast or nipple

Preventive care

While there are several factors that may contribute to persons getting breast cancer, such as genetics and age, there are several preventive steps that persons can take to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.

Participating in regular physical activity and eating certain foods such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and fatty fish is said to help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Regular breast cancer screening is important in the early detection and prevention of breast cancer. Women 50 to 74 years old are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, therefore, it is recommended that they do a mammogram every two years.

While the likelihood of men developing breast cancer is rare, if they are experiencing any symptoms of breast cancer it is recommended that they speak to their healthcare provider for medical assistance.

Breast cancer is not a death sentence, however, taking the necessary preventive measures and screening are important for breast cancer patients to have a chance of living a long and healthy life.

• READ: Cancer is not a death sentence, says breast cancer survivor

• MORE: Breast cancer survivor urges young men and women to get screened