Did you know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer? October is Breast Cancer Awareness month – a month dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the stigma of breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment. The hope is that greater knowledge will lead to earlier detection and better survival rates.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States. It can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women. Survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths has been declining, thanks to a number of factors such as earlier detection, new treatments, increased awareness, and a better understanding of the disease.
All women are at risk for breast cancer and the risk increases with age. Most breast cancers and resulting deaths occur in women aged 50 and older. It is estimated that there will be 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer among women in the US in 2014. No matter your age, you should know how your breasts normally look and feel. If you notice any changes, see your health care provider.
Regular breast cancer screenings are vital for early detection and increased success in treatment and survival. The goal of screenings is to check the breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms of the disease. Three main tests are used to screen the breasts for cancer. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you, and when you should have them.
Mammogram – a mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. Mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer early when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. If you are 50 to 74 years old, be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are 40 to 49 years old, talk to your doctor about when to start and how often to get a screening mammogram. The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
Clinical Breast Exam – a clinical breast exam is an examination by a doctor or nurse, who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or other changes.
Breast Self-Exam – a breast self-exam is when you check your own breasts for lumps, changes in size or shape of the breast, or any other changes in the breasts or underarm (armpit).
While clinical breast exams and breast self-exams are important, the best way to detect breast cancer is with a mammogram. If you choose to have clinical breast exams and to perform breast self-exams, be sure you also get mammograms regularly.
Breast cancer culture, or pink ribbon culture, is the cultural outgrowth of breast cancer support, the social movement that supports it, and a large part of the women’s health movement. The pink ribbon is the most prominent symbol of breast cancer awareness. It is associated with individual generosity, scientific progress, and an optimistic “can-do” attitude. So, this October, consider donning your pink ribbon to show your support of this important awareness cause. And if you’re a female, be sure to get regular breast cancer screenings!
By: Whitney Feltner, AS, CNA, Child Care Associate at Valley Health Wellness & Fitness Center
References:
To learn more:
https://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003165-pdf.pdf
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