Pink October is an awareness campaign about the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer. Held annually during the month of October throughout the world, its aim is to raise awareness and promote educational actions about breast cancer.
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women and, when detected early, the chances of a cure are significantly higher. Self-examination can help in the early detection of breast cancer, and is divided into 4 main steps:
- Raise your arms and make rotating movements with your torso to detect any lumps or changes in the breast or armpit area;
- Feel the chest area using circular movements;
- Also check the armpit area for any lumps or bumps;
- Press the nipple and check if it releases secretions;
This Pink October we have some advice on how to best deal with the changes your skin undergoes due to treatments.
With cancer treatments, the skin tends to become drier and more sensitive, red and irritated, and it is also common to experience itching, flaking and discomfort.
During this phase, it is common to have an increase in sun sensitivity, sunburns occur more easily after sun exposure and as the skin is more sensitive and fragile, allergies and skin discomfort can occur more easily.
The appearance of spots, hyperpigmentation and changes in skin tone can occur in various areas of the body, such as areas exposed to the sun, nails or even the eye area.
Skin care emerges for moisturizing and soothing care that should be started even before starting treatments and can be maintained during and after them.
- The use of moisturizing bath oils, with good skin penetration, provide deep hydration and soothe the skin.
- Using a good moisturizer is crucial to help hydrate your skin and create a stronger skin barrier to protect your skin.
- Using a high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen every day is a way to protect your skin from sun damage and photoaging, as it is naturally more fragile.
Avoid using irritating products during treatment, skin care products that contain alcohol, strong fragrances, dyes and other irritating ingredients.
Changes also normally occur in the mucous membranes, which can occur, for example, at the oral and genital level. These areas require special attention in terms of hygiene and disinfection in order to avoid inflammation.
Be aware of changes and perform a self-examination. Join the awareness-raising actions that help spread the message: one touch can change a life. 💗