By Desiree Salas (media@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Oct 10, 2014 08:37 AM EDT

This month is known worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month or Pink October. As such, advocates wear a distinct pink ribbon in commemoration of this event.

Breast cancer is among the leading types of cancers that have claimed many lives globally. According to WHO, it has caused about 521,000 deaths as of 2012.

In the United States, breast cancer is said to affect "one in eight women in the United States who live to be 80 years old," with mortality rate pegged at nineteen percent, as noted in The Huffington Post.

A key aspect in the successful treatment of breast cancer is early detection, which is why advocates strive for awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease and getting regular checks. It should be noted that breast cancer can happen in men, not only women. However, this type of cancer is admittedly more common among the members of the female population, Mayo Clinic said.

Symptoms

If you feel a lump or a thickening portion in your breast, plus a change in its shape or size, as well as dimpling or an inverted nipple, you should immediately consult a health professional as these are the symptoms of breast cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also noted that pain in any part of the breast and a nipple discharge that is not breast milk are also signs of the disease.

It should be clarified that some people may not exhibit symptoms at all, which is why regular medical checks and testing should be done. This is especially if you are 40 years old or older and/or have a family history of breast cancer.

Tests Involved

Health professionals recommend that self-examinations be done regularly. You can also have this done by your doctor, where your breasts will be palpated or felt for lumps or any abnormalities.

A breast ultrasound also helps in the detection of breast cancer, as well as a mammogram, which is recommended for women ages 40 and above.

Fast Facts

According to the CDC, most breast cancers are diagnosed in women 50 or older, but it can also affect much younger ladies.

Although women are the ones most commonly afflicted with this type of cancer, an average of 2,000 men actually get this disease annually, with 400 dying from it.

In addition, Cancer.gov clarified that cell phones do not cause cancer. This is because cancer is generally caused by genetic mutations, which cannot be triggered by the low-frequency energy that mobile phones emit.

For more information about breast cancer, visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org.

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