It’s that time of year again to put a spotlight on something that happens every day of the year. Breast Cancer is not an event that happens one month each year like the swallows returning to Capistrano during the month of March. October is the pink month, the special month each year when breast cancer is brought to the awareness level of everybody, not just the victims and their families. One thing to know about breast cancer is that it can certainly be a killer, but thankfully, not all the time.

What causes cancer? I don’t believe anyone really knows the final answer to that question. There are many causes, both organic and man-made, that can cause cancer to develop within a body.

How does cancer develop? To put it simply, cancer begins within the body’s cells, the building blocks of tissue which are found in parts of the body, including the breast. Sometimes the cell growth will go awry and start producing new cells that won’t grow old and die as damaged cells usually do. When this occurs, there is a build-up of the unique cells which will often form a mass of tissue called a growth, lump, or tumor.

Breast cancer can occur when these malignant tumors develop and grow in the breasts of women and men. As the tumor grows in size it can spread by breaking away and entering the blood vessels and/or lymph vessels, allowing the cancerous cells to travel to other parts of the body, leading to damage to other tissues and organs, usually the lungs, liver, brain or bones.

There is continuing research for the cure of cancer, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month helps to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer, focusing on the ways of how and where to contribute in the fight against this disease which kills and maims people thorough out the world. Rehabmart has a number of items that will help remind people of Breast Cancer Awareness throughout the year, and also some items to assist those in detecting breast cancer and to help those who are recovering from this terrible disease.

Self-breast examination is important for women and men to do, yet not everyone understands the correct way to search for possible lumps, or cancer growth. The Lymphedema – Breast Cancer Patient Guide is a 240 page book and good resource for medical professionals and patients alike. It describes scientific and medical advances in the treatment and care of breast cancer and offers information on the prevention and treatment of lymphedema.

The Liv Aid Breast Self Exam is a product that can be used to help make the breast self-examination process much easier by enhancing a woman’s sense of touch in helping to detect unusual or new lumps within the breast.

The Lifeform Breast Examination Model has a feel much like realistic skin as well as palpable ribs, clavicle, sternum, and enlarged lymph nodes. This model is used to teach people on how to correctly perform clinical self-examinations. It is also used to teach medical staff on how to perform breast exams on patients by offering various tissue densities within the simulated breasts the same way these differences appear in real life. Also, various sizes and shapes of simulated tumors are included with the model for detection and recognition training.

Sometimes surgery is required to get rid of breast cancer and the Comfort Caddy is specifically designed to hold post-surgical drainage containers following a mastectomy procedure. This multi-pouch system can be worn underneath clothing, holding the wound drainage collectors while also preventing leaks, pulling or tearing. While wearing this system, the person can go outdoors while wearing the Comfort Caddy discreetly under clothes and not worry about unwanted looks or comments.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Aluminum Rollator will help people to get out and about while also bringing attention to Breast Cancer Awareness. With its pink frame and pink ribbon decorations, the aluminum powder-coated frame rollator can be adjusted to various heights, and has a padded seat with a storage pouch for personal items. The backrest is also removable and can be folded either up or down for personal comfort.

 For those who need a quick transport, the Ultralight Freedom Transport Chair weighs only 15 pounds, yet can offer a heavy duty performance with a 300 pound weight capacity. This chair is great for those quick trips shopping or to the doctor’s office, or as a handy mode of mobility around the home.

 Medical professionals and caregivers can also show their support while bringing awareness to breast cancer with the Generation Pink Pearl Exam Gloves, Pro Series Bouffant Caps, and Pink Ribbon Procedure Masks. The Exam gloves offer an extra line of protection with a nitrile coating while providing the smoothing comfort of an organic aloe vera lining. The Bouffant Caps are made of tough and lint-free polypropylene and have a double-stitched elastic band for placement security and comfort. The procedure masks are made of cellulose and held on to the face with ear-loops, are white in color and embossed with a pink ribbon design to promote Breast Cancer Awareness.

When it is time to sit back and relax, the best place to do it is in a Winston Three Position Lift Chair. Boasting a 375 pound weight capacity, this plush, over-sized chair is strong and sturdy. Needing to be only 19 inches away from a wall, this chair can be in full recline, and then, with a push of a button from a simple two button control, the chair can easily be raised up to a standing position or gently lowered to a seated position, or to a “Full Napper” position highlighting superior leg extension.

These are just a few Breast Cancer Awareness items that are offered by Rehabmart. Until the battle with cancer is won and the battlefield is grown over with love and success, breast cancer awareness must not be forgotten. Everyone can get involved to show their support and help spread awareness in a variety of ways during the month of October, and at all other times of the year as well. Sharing articles like this helps get the word out about this insidious disease, and helps to inform the public about the various methods to prevent breast cancer and/or to catch it early, and some new ideas on how to more efficiently cope and live with this disease.

For more information on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, one of the many sites to go to is the National Breast Cancer Foundation. 

To view more Breast Cancer Awareness products offered by Rehabmart, please go to the Breast Cancer Awareness page.

Bill Stock
Executive Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO