Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We encourage you to get an exam and a mammogram if appropriate, and to get accurate information about the risks of breast cancer, and the importance of prevention and early detection.
Breast Cancer is Common: Next to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer for women. Nearly 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S., and about 40,000 women die each year from the disease. Breast cancer is rare in men. Breast cancer often starts as a firm, non-painful or painful lump in the breast tissue.
Early Detection: Detecting the disease early makes a tremendous difference in the outcome of the disease. There are now 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. By finding the disease early, through mammography and physical exam, and treating early, the likelihood of long-term survival is greatly improved.
Prevention: There is no clear way of completely preventing breast cancer. However, certain risk factors have been recognized, and recommendations by the American Cancer Society have been developed based on the information we have.
Eat a healthy diet to help control weight: being too heavy increases the risk of breast cancer.
Regular exercise: 30 minutes a day 5 days per week reduces the risk of breast cancer. 45-60 minutes a day reduces the risk even further.
Limit the amount of alcohol to no more than 1 drink per day, since alcohol consumption is clearly linked to developing breast cancer.
Current Recommendations: The current recommendations of the American Cancer Society are: women age 35 should have a screening mammogram. Women age 40-50 should have a mammogram every other year, and a physical exam yearly. Women over age 50 should have a mammogram and physical exam yearly. Talk to your doctor about your risks for developing breast cancer.
No insurance? Find out about existing programs to help you get a mammogram and an examination, such as the Breast and Cervical Health Program, through Tri-County Health. Call them at 684-5048 to find out more.
Remember, it’s important. Don’t take your health for granted. See your doctor and ask about setting up an exam and a mammogram when it is time for you to do so.
*American Cancer Society Website
*National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Website
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