THE famous line from Lindsay Lohan’s Mean Girls goes: “On Wednesdays we wear pink,” and in the context of this article, I think it’s befitting that October 3 (the day mentioned in the movie) fell on a Wednesday and just as Breast Cancer Awareness Month began.

Here’s what you need to know first and foremost: According to data published in the 2015 Cancer Surveillance Report of the Ministry of Public Health, breast cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths in Guyana.

A further breakdown of the figures in Guyana for the years 2003 to 2012, as highlighted in the report, there were 1,090 cases of breast cancer; 1,014 cases of cervical cancer; 865 cases of prostate cancer; 440 cases of colorectal cancer; 325 cases of cancer of the uterus; 240 cases of stomach cancer; 233 cases of lung cancer; 219 cases of liver cancer; 212 cases of cancer of the ovary and 136 cases of lymphoma.

Basically, cancer is a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body. Breast cancer, with this in mind, is cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, or fluid coming from the nipple.

Now in Guyana, much emphasis is being placed on breast cancer and with it being the leading cause of cancer deaths-at least at one point in time, if not now- it is completely understandable why. The disease is just truly terrible.

October is also dubbed ‘Pinktober’ as part of the observances of Breast Cancer Awareness Month since pink is the colour used for Breast cancer. There are multiple events being hosted to commemorate this month and it’s nearly impossible to miss all of them.

What I appreciate is that there seems to be a lot of public awareness being raised on breast cancer through these events, and for some, even money for treatment and assistance. And we all know, treatment is a very expensive something.

What I don’t necessarily appreciate is the commercialisation of breast cancer because I think for many it’s all about the hype and not necessarily the actual cause. Is this the price to pay for some goodness?

Before getting lost in the hype of the events, I think it’s important to remember the purpose of it all. And that purpose is raising awareness on breast cancer: what signs to look out for and how to prevent it. Furthermore, funding to treat breast cancer locally will be raised also.

And while it’s all good and well to participate in the marches and the fun events, it’s more important to remember the stark reality of breast cancer and cancer, generally.

If you’ve read this far, there are some key pointers you should keep for yourselves or someone who may need it.

Common signs of breast cancer include the swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt as yet), skin irritation, breast or nipple pain, nipple retraction (turning inward) and some nipple discharge (other than breast milk).

A lump felt in the breast or underarm that persists after your menstrual cycle is often the first apparent symptom of breast cancer. These lumps associated with breast cancer are usually painless, according to WebMD online, but some may also cause a prickly sensation. The lumps are usually visible on a mammogram long before they can be seen or felt.

I cannot overemphasise just how important it is to remain cognisant of these signs. Remember, early detection in order to improve breast cancer outcomes and survival, remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. Prevention is always better than cure and the sooner the threat is identified, it can be uprooted and dealt with.

And though only October is set aside specifically for awareness on Breast Cancer, the disease does not go away and return until next October. It is a lingering threat to so many women, and their families and friends and it is a grave disease that causes disfigurement, pain and discomfort and possibly, death.

Wear pink, show your support but remember the important things too. Together we can fight Breast Cancer!