October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In the United States, the risk of acquiring breast cancer is roughly 13 percent. Each year approximately 240,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. The current recommendation is for annual screening mammograms for women aged 40 to 75 with average risk. Women without a family history in a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) or a genetic mutation are considered average risk. Those with breast cancer in a first-degree relative should begin screening ten years prior to the age their loved one was diagnosed. For example, the daughter of a woman diagnosed at age 42, should begin her screenings at age 32. The risk of breast cancer in these women can be as high as twice that of the average woman. Those with a genetic mutation are also at high risk for breast cancer and may need screening more frequently. They account for 5-10 percent of breast cancer cases.
Breast cancers can be aggressive, and the research reveals that women diagnosed early have a better chance of survival. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancers diagnosed at stage 1 have a 5-year survival rate is 99%. Those diagnosed at stage 4 have a 5-year survival rate of 30%. Women are encouraged to perform self-breast examinations at home each month in addition to annual mammograms. You should know the warning signs of breast cancer. Please review the list below and share it with those you love.
Breast Cancer Warning Signs
You feel a lump or mass
Breast/nipple pain
Bleeding
Dimpling of the breast tissue
Discharge/blood expressed from the nipple
Redness of the skin of the breast/nipple
Breast swelling
Recognizing these signs/symptoms can save your life. Do not hesitate to inform your doctor of any breast changes you notice. Early detection is key! Get your mammogram annually and know your family history!
Here’s to your health!
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