Real men wear pink too.
For the past few years, Waypoint has donated a portion of each inspection during the month of October to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
This year is no different. Despite the challenges brought on this year with COVID-19, we feel that continuing to support the fight against breast cancer is a must.
You may find some of our inspectors wearing pink this month. Additionally, you may hear more announcements from us about breast cancer.
For this blog post, we wanted to share past photos and talk a little bit about breast cancer.
About Breast Cancer
The biggest priority to breast cancer is raising awareness. If more people are knowledgeable about the risks, women and men (although less common), can pay attention to the signs and get themselves checked.
1 in 8 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. With that, it is estimated that 42,690 people will die this year alone.
There is no direct cause or treatment either. Every case is treated a little bit different.
However, there is good news.
Since 1990, breast cancer death rates have been slowly declining from efforts of early detection, better screening, and better treatment options. And with your help, death rates can continue to fall.
Learn more about Breast Cancer.
Our History With Breast Cancer
Waypoint began its own campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer in 2017. Each October, our inspectors wear pink hats and pink polos during their inspections to help support the cause. Furthermore, we donate a portion of each inspection to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
In 2018, Eddy Lai (VP Field Operations) had a close family member pass from breast cancer. His niece, Melissa Marie Santiago, was only 37 years old when she lost her battle. Melissa was a wife and a mother.
You may have had someone close to you battle breast cancer as well, or know someone who sadly lost this battle.
Every year after, Waypoint has been more committed to raising awareness for breast cancer.
We hope you can join us in our efforts of raising awareness and saving lives.
What You Can Do
Early Detection
We should raise awareness to the early signs and symptoms so women and men can get treated early.
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Symptoms & Signs
- Nipple tenderness, lumps, or thickening of the breast or underarm area.
- Change in skin texture or looks.
- A lump in the breast.
- Unexplained changes in the shape of the breast.
- Dimpling.
- Swelling.
- Shrinkage.
- Recent asymmetry.
- A nipple that is turned inward or inverted.
- Red skin around the nipple.
- Nipple Discharging – particularly clear or bloody, although all discharge not linked to breast feeding should be checked.
Self-Exams
Women should conduct monthly exams while in the shower, in the mirror, and while laying down.
During these exams, women should check for any changes and early signs mentioned above.
Clinical Exams
Exams by a professional should be conducted annually.
These are typically completed by a gynecologist or family physician.
Mammograms
Mammograms are an x-ray of the breast to check for lumps or thickenings. These processes can typically find signs sooner than self or clinical exams.
Mommograms are recommended to be completed every 1-2 years by women older than 40. Or, by younger women with an increased risk of breast cancer.
How To Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer
Every person can reduce their risk of breast cancer by taking on healthy habits. It is recommended every person conduct the following:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Stay Physically Active
- Eat Fruits & Vegetables
- Do Not Smoke
- Limit Alcohol Consumption
Learn More About Early Detection and What You Can Do
Concluding
We hope you will take some time out of your day to raise a little bit of awareness to Breast Cancer.
If you can, you can also donate here.
Feel free to share this post or share our content on social media to help spread the word.
If you have comments, please leave them below!
