October marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), which is a campaign to raise awareness of the risks posed by the disease, especially in women.
With ForrestBrew being a women-led company, we strongly believe in the importance of raising further awareness of this disease. To show our commitment and support, we will be introducing a Pink Ribbon Edition: Chrysanthemum Kombucha, naturally coloured with black wolfberries, which will be available for purchase throughout the month of October only.
We are pleased to have with us Ms. Ho Li Xuan, Senior Financial Consultant at Prudential, who is guided by her motto “I’m a woman, empowering other women”, and has contributed some of her own knowledge on the subject matter of cancers affecting women.
Breast Cancer is the top cancer amongst women
Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy for women, accounting for 70% of cancers specifically within Singaporean women. Studies conducted have shown that breast cancer is the most common form of cancer to affect women locally, with over 1850 women getting diagnosed annually, and approximately 400 eventually succumbing to the disease.
Source: Singapore Cancer Society
Young women are not spared from breast cancer
Some may have the misconception that only older women are more likely to be affected by the disease. However, this is not true. In fact, there has been an increasing number of breast cancer cases amongst young women, due to factors such as their lifestyle habits, smoking, alcohol, and early onset of menstruation and menopause.
Source: The Straits Times
Cancer cells tend to spread more quickly in young women
Some women think they are young and not at risk. As cancer in young patients are usually of a higher grade, the cancer cells also tend to spread more rapidly in younger women. This means that when they eventually visit a doctor, the cancer is usually large, more aggressive and diagnosed at a more advanced stage.
Source: The Straits Times
Why is regular health screening so important?
Survival rates improve dramatically when cancer is diagnosed early and the disease is confined to the organ of origin. We cannot eliminate but we can prevent and early detect through these actionable steps.
- Monthly Self-Breast Examination
- Make Health Screening a Lifestyle
- Be Courageous to Consult a Doctor
Source: Singapore Cancer Society
Hop on to @theholigrail page for actionable steps you can take to reduce the risk of breast cancer or scan the code below to find out more about breast cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2022!
While total elimination of the disease is not possible, early detection and prevention is made possible through regular health screenings with a qualified practitioner and self-examinations. It only takes ONE screening to save a life.