Centuries of evidence corroborate the fact that women have always been marginalized, berated and dominated. They have been pushed to the margins of their own stories and stripped off their agency to their minds and bodies. They have been ostracized in the name of witch hunting, abused, shamed and incriminated without any substantial evidence. Any woman, who dared to defy the societal norms and wore their opinions on their sleeves, was branded as a ‘witch woman’, before being tortured and burned at the stakes. Any woman, who dared to dream and soar the heights of the limitless azure, had their wings clipped and voice muffled.  Sitting by our marble top coffee table, with a book of feminism in our hands, does no justice to the history of women that is deep-rooted in bloodshed and gore. The little freedom that we enjoy today is a result of relentless struggles and efforts put up by the suffragettes in the 19th century, and a trail of blood it left along its way.

Our predicaments are many, and there is a long way to go before we get to own our narratives and not just play a stock character in it. This should not come as a surprise, but one of the most important ways to own our narratives is to be aware of our bodies and own it like no one else’s business. The body of a woman has always been a major site of exploitation, be it by the people in this testosterone-driven society, or the fatality of certain diseases. Now, enough ink has already flown over how people have tried to control our bodies. Therefore, in this article, we shall look into how breast cancer has done pretty much the same to us, and why it is crucial to break the stigma concerning it. But before you can go through the article you can take a look at biogreen life to learn more about staying healthy.

Breast Cancer Facts

Whoever said that ignorance is bliss, could not have been more wrong? One of the leading causes of death in women, besides cervical cancer and breast cancer, is the ignorance regarding these diseases. There are so many stigmas concerning breast cancer that women would rather suffer in silence than talk about it. The word ‘breast’ serves as a taboo term in our society and thus, women swallow their symptoms rather than seeking treatment. Medical intervention at the right time can save lives, and therefore, it is imperative that we know when to act on the symptoms. One woman out of eight is affected by breast cancer during her lifetime. The symptoms usually include-

•    A consistent lump in the breast, which might or might not be painful
•    A change in the colour of the skin in or around the breast
•    A discharge from the nipples
•    A change in the size and shape of the breast

Women beyond the age of 30 run a higher risk of contracting breast cancer, though younger women are also susceptible to it. Research has also proven that breast cancer can be genetic at times. Any member in the family line who had the disease might have passed on the genes. Therefore it is always advisable to test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Break The Stigma- Check For Symptoms

You might not have a control on cancer, but you can sure adopt ways to beat it before it beats you. Our body is a marvel of nature, and it has its own mechanisms to warn us about impending danger. You just have to learn how to spot it on time and act on it. There are ways to beat breast cancer as well. It is easier to treat any cancer when it is still in situ that is, contained within the site. To nip the evil in the bud, you have to conduct self-examinations.

•    Touch yourself- It is your body, and there is nothing wrong in touching your own body. Touch yourself once every week to spot any abnormal changes. The moment you feel a lump on your breast, no matter how small, it is time to see a doctor. The moment you feel any change in the shape or size of your breast, or any abnormal discharge from your nipples, know that it is time to go for a thorough check-up.
•   Look for painful areas on your breast- Cancer is quite nimble on its feet. Thus, it might not even come with the usual warnings. We have established how it is essential to check for lumps on the breast. However, it is also important to note any signs of pain in the breast, even if there are no lumps.
•   Stay aware- The world is progressing in leaps and bounds and technology has been mushrooming like never before. Therefore, keep yourself updated on the latest advancements in treatment. This will lend courage to your mortified soul and guide you in the right direction.
•   Do not shy away from treatment- The world has never been easy on women. Thus, it is upon us to break the stigma instead of conforming to them. Breast cancer requires treatment like any other form of cancer. It does no good to shy away from speaking up and seeking help. The society that has created these stigmas will not save you. You will have to save yourself.

The treatment of breast cancer might not be easy or rosy. It involves chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and a rigorous routine of popping pills every day. You will lose your hair and might even have to get your breast removed. However, that should not deter your spirit or inundate you with fear. Your hair will grow back, and that breast can be reconstructed, if it really means that much. You control the reins of your fate, not your cancer. So beat it and ameliorate your living!