October marks one of of the most philanthropic times of the year as it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). Breast Cancer Awareness Month is recognized worldwide and it’s main focus is to increase awareness of the disease through charitable events and informational gatherings. While most people are aware of the dangers of the disease, less people are informed on the importance of early detection and having a plan for treatment. When breast cancer is detected at an early stage, there is a good chance that it can be cured given the proper treatment.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) or National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) began in 1985 and has played a vital role in both increasing awareness of and raising funds for breast cancer research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The aim from the beginning has been to promote mammography and it’s importance in the possibility of early detection. Mammography is looked at as the most effective tool in the fight against cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall. Research says that in 2015, 231,840 new cases of invasive and 60,290 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer are expected to diagnosed in women in the U.S. Although breast cancer incidence rates have been decreasing since the year 2000, these numbers are still alarmingly large. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to getting these types of numbers out into the public so people can be cured and can avoid becoming a statistic.

Being such an invasive and serious disease, breast cancer most often involves treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. These treatments will often cause the patients much discomfort and cause them emotional and physical pain. Some examples include stiffness in pain in shoulder, back, and chest muscles and nerve irritation as a result of the radiation. To help ease these discomforts, physical therapy is often a common route chosen by patients. Patients are typically taught a number of exercises and stretches that help with their recovery process and enable them to feel comfortable again in their daily life post-treatment.

Did you know that you have Direct Access to Physical Therapy? No referral is needed. We offer the best Physical Therapy on Long Island where you can get help from our trusted and expert Physical Therapists. We have several locations on Long Island including Massapequa, Valley Stream, Wantagh and Lindenhurst. To start your Physical Therapy evaluation, call Advance Physical Therapy and The Physical Therapy Alliance at (516) 568-4444.