As this year’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, philanthropist Rahim Hassanally highlights important takeaways outlined by the annual initiative.
With the month-long annual awareness initiative now drawing to a close, entrepreneur and philanthropist Rahim Hassanally, a Texas native currently based in California, reveals three important takeaways from National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2019.
“As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2019 draws to a close, three of the biggest takeaways from this year’s awareness initiative center around reducing risk, knowing symptoms, and keeping up with regular screenings,” explains Hassanally, an award-winning entrepreneur and a keen proponent of breast cancer awareness.
All three points, he says, are staples of both past and present awareness initiatives, both for breast cancer and other forms of the disease. “They cannot, however, be reiterated enough,” explains Hassanally, “and what better time than when a large nationwide and international awareness campaign such as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the U.S. and Breast Cancer Awareness Month elsewhere around the world is wrapping up for another year.”
Hassanally first points toward reducing risk. “While risk factors such as genetics and age can’t be avoided, measures to lower the risk of breast cancer can be taken, such as—and mainly—by staying healthy,” he suggests.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hassanally goes on to explain, recommend doing so by maintaining a healthy weight, aided by exercising regularly. “Exercising regularly, in itself, also comes with many added health benefits,” he further points out. The CDC also recommends limiting alcohol intake and, where appropriate, discussing the possible risks tied to certain contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies with a qualified medical professional.
“It’s also important to know, in detail, the full range of symptoms of breast cancer,” adds Hassanally. Beyond abnormal lumps or masses which routine awareness campaigns educate the public to check for regularly, it’s also important, he says, to be similarly vigilant surrounding other abnormalities. “These,” Hassanally explains, “can include swelling and redness, pain, discharge, and a change in the appearance of the skin of the breast.”
While these may not prove to be indicative of breast cancer, Rahim Hassanally says it’s important to be sure. “See a doctor if there’s any doubt,” advises the entrepreneur and breast cancer awareness advocate.
Lastly, Hassanally reiterates the importance of regular cancer screenings. “Many breast cancer cases develop with no outward symptoms at all, which is why regular screening remains so important,” he adds, wrapping up.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2019 concludes on Thursday, October 31, 2019.
Rahim Hassanally is a Governor of California appointed Department of Motor Vehicles New Motor Vehicle Board member, a member of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers, and a board member of the American International Automobile Dealers Association. An accomplished sportsman, a keen advocate for breast cancer awareness, and a supporter of a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, charities, and other good causes, Texas native Hassanally’s professional accolades include making the Automotive News ‘Top 40 Under 40’ list and receiving recognition as the 18th annual Urban Wheel Awards ‘Urban Dealer of the Year.’
