October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!! (237 hits)
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) begins October – and you’ll see pink everywhere as participants try to raise awareness and encourage early detection.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for Hispanic woman and the second most common cause among white, African-American, Asian and American Indian women.
Nearly one in three cancers diagnosed in American women, are breast cancers. Every year over 40,000 women die from breast cancer and approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed. Half of all cancers among women over the age of 45 are breast cancers.
The survival rate, if detected early, is 96 percent over five years. Cancer death rates have been declining since 1990, with more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors alive nationwide today.
Breast Self-Exam
Breast Self-Awareness Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. Screening tests can find cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you:
1. Know your risk
Talk to your family to learn about your family health history Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer 2. Get screened
Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40
3. Know what is normal for you See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:
Lump, hard knot or thickening Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening Change in the size or shape of the breast Dimpling or puckering of the skin Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast Nipple discharge that starts suddenly New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away 4. Make healthy lifestyle choices
Maintain a healthy weight Add exercise into your routine Limit alcohol intake
Breast Self-Exam (BSE) Instructional Tool Breast self-exam (BSE) is a tool that may help you learn what is normal for you. BSE involves looking at and feeling your breasts. Women who practice BSE should also be sure to get mammograms and clinical breast exams at the appropriate age. BSE should not be substituted for these screening tests. For more information on BSE and other screening methods, visit Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Early Detection & Screening.
