Why Breast Cancer Awareness Is Important All Year
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins this week, well start seeing pink awareness efforts everywhere. Pink products will line the shelves at stores, awareness and fundraising ads will showcase celebrities wearing pink ribbons, and high school, collegiate, and even professional athletes will adorn their uniforms with pink, some even articulating a specific person or family member affected by breast cancer for whom theyre dedicating their athletic efforts.
Raising awareness is a great thing. Throughout the year Im asked to speak to community groups about cancer prevention, early detection, and the impact of heredity on cancer risk. The number of requests always escalates sharply in October. These programs provide an opportunity to help educate the public on the health impact of breast cancer, the importance of taking personal responsibility for health, and the new research studies that ultimately affect clinical practice.
The American Cancer Society recently released its Cancer Facts and Figures 2017 report as well as t Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 20152016, which included some of the following statistics:
Women can do some things to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. Lifestyle factors should not be ignored.
If Breast Cancer Strikes: Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic Offers Help And Hope
A breast cancer diagnosis leaves you with questions, decisions, and anxiety. The Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic at the Regional Cancer Center helps newly diagnosed breast cancer patients or patients looking for a second opinion for their treatment options. Patients can be referred by their physician or they can contact a breast cancer navigator for a self-referral.
Dr. Ferrari says clinic assessments give patients what they need to help them make informed decisions about their treatment.
Many recent advances in the diagnoses and treatment of breast cancer require close collaboration between cancer specialists, who have different areas of expertise, Dr. Ferrari explains. The clinic brings these specialists together to meet with and evaluate each patients case.
A medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, and surgeon as well as a medical team together evaluate each persons case, engaging them and their family in the treatment plan.
Typically, this kind of process might take weeks to develop — but we have all the experts in one place, says Dr. Ferrari. Local women have everything they need for screening, diagnosis and fighting breast cancer right here, close to home, at the Regional Cancer Center. That means the plan is complete in a single day, and your treatment begins quickly.
How You Can Help
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Ready to RISE to the occasion? Here are a handful of ways you can help:
Rally In Screening EveryoneMake a donation to provide life-saving mammograms to women in need. New this year, choose exactly where your donation goes. Take our educationaleBookQuiz to find relevant breast health resources.
Rally In Serving EveryoneMake a donation to support patient navigators who specialize in serving at-risk populations.Volunteer to join virtually in Helping Women Now.
Rally In Supporting Everyone
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Why Is Breast Cancer Awareness So Important
Every October, you likely see a wealth of information about breast cancer. And that is a good thing. Awareness surrounding breast cancer is incredibly important as early detection, often through screening, can catch the disease when it is most treatable.
According to the American Cancer Society , breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. The average risk of a woman in the U.S. developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 12%, or a 1 in 8 chance. The chance that a woman will die from breast cancer is about 2.6%, or a 1 in 38 chance.
Patients are experiencing better outcomes as a result of early diagnosis, state-of-the-art treatment options, and less extensive surgery, said Catherine Tuite, MD, Section Chief of Breast Radiology and Associate Professor of Diagnostic Imaging at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Today, there are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., including women still being treated and those who have finished treatment. A heightened awareness of the disease has unquestionably led to a greater number of women being screened for breast cancer, said Tuite. Patients are experiencing better outcomes as a result of early diagnosis, state-of-the-art treatment options and less extensive surgery.
The Balance Of Benefit And Harm
The panel estimates that an invitation to breast screening delivers about a 20% reduction in breast cancer mortality. For the UK screening programmes, this currently corresponds to about 1300 deaths from breast cancer being prevented each year, or equivalently about 22000 years of life being saved. However, this benefit must be balanced against the harms of screening, especially the risk of overdiagnosis. In the panelâs view, overdiagnosed cancers certainly occur, but the frequency in a screening programme of 20 years duration is unknown. Estimates from trials of shorter duration suggest overdiagnosis of about 11% as a proportion of breast cancer incidence during the screening period and for the remainder of the womanâs lifetime, or equivalently about 19% as a proportion of cancers diagnosed during the screening period. Any excess mortality stemming from the investigation and treatment of breast cancer is considered by the panel to be small and considerably outweighed by the benefits of treatment. Some other harms, including increased anxiety and discomfort caused by screening, are also acknowledged.
Notionally, for 10000 women invited to screening, from age 50 for 20 years, it is estimated that 681 cancers will be diagnosed, of which 129 will represent overdiagnosis and 43 deaths from breast cancer will be prevented.
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What Are The Symptoms
There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk .
- A new lump in the breast or underarm.
If you have any signs that worry you, see your doctor right away.
Does A Benign Breast Condition Mean That I Have A Higher Risk Of Getting Breast Cancer
Benign breast conditions rarely increase your risk of breast cancer. Some women have biopsies that show a condition called hyperplasia . This condition increases your risk only slightly.
When the biopsy shows hyperplasia and abnormal cells, which is a condition called atypical hyperplasia, your risk of breast cancer increases somewhat more. Atypical hyperplasia occurs in about 5% of benign breast biopsies.
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Can Telemedicine Consults Help Breast Cancer Patients Get The Right Help
Telemedicine can help cancer patients seeking expert medical second opinions, counselling on the diagnosis and guidance on navigating the complex healthcare needs for the next best step for their management, that is deemed most appropriate for their cancer stage.
The difficulty in consulting a cancer specialist is often a challenging factor facing patients, regardless of their insurance coverage. Even patients with adequate funds to cover out-of-pocket access, often face the issue of connecting with a credible healthcare provider.
Many tertiary level healthcare facilities have telemedicine booking facilities for remote care appointments with their medical staff. Patients may be able to inquire about available facilities, coverage and the credibility of the clinical staff and their success rates with similar breast cancer patients.
- In some cases there may be further challenges even with remote care access such as:
- A difficult booking process
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Why Is It Important To Detect Breast Cancer Early
Early detection of breast cancer is important as it is associated with an increased number of available treatment options, increased survival, and improved quality of life. While there is no definitive method of preventing breast cancer, early detection provides the best chance of effective treatment.
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How Is Breast Cancer Treated
If the tests find cancer, you and your doctor will develop a treatment plan to eradicate the breast cancer, to reduce the chance of cancer returning in the breast, as well as to reduce the chance of the cancer traveling to a location outside of the breast. Treatment generally follows within a few weeks after the diagnosis.
The type of treatment recommended will depend on the size and location of the tumor in the breast, the results of lab tests done on the cancer cells, and the stage, or extent, of the disease. Your doctor will usually consider your age and general health as well as your feelings about the treatment options.
Breast cancer treatments are local or systemic. Local treatments are used to remove, destroy, or control the cancer cells in a specific area, such as the breast. Surgery and radiation treatment are local treatments. Systemic treatments are used to destroy or control cancer cells all over the body. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are systemic treatments. A patient may have just one form of treatment or a combination, depending on her individual diagnosis.
About Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual observance held in the month of October. It is intended to raise awareness about breast cancer, the second most common cancer among women in the United States . This breast cancer awareness month campaign can help your organization implement evidence-based practices when communicating about breast cancer.
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Breast Cancer: The Importance Of Raising Awareness Among Seniors
Breast cancer is a disease where malignant cells form in the breast. Although these cancerous cells start by growing and invading healthy cells in the breast, they can eventually make their way to other areas of the body by entering blood vessels or lymph vessels. When this happens, and the cancer cells begin damaging other tissues the process is then called metastasis.
One of the biggest reasons raising awareness about breast cancer is important is that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and it is second leading cause of death among women. Further, in the United States, the median age for a diagnosis of breast cancer is about 60 years old and more than 40 percent of all breast cancers are diagnosed in women aged 65 years or older.
Here are some other facts:
While there is no cure for breast cancer and age is a major risk factor seniors should instead focus on early detection, in order to give our loved ones the best chance of living out their golden years. As we get older, a seniors health may become more complicated and often older adults suffer from multiple chronic conditions. Because this is the case, early breast cancer detection is paramount for senior women.
Why Breast Cancer Awareness Is So Important
Breast Cancer Awareness month is recognized every year in October. According to the Government of Canada, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in Canada, and in women, its the number-one most common cancer. In addition, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.
Statistics like these make it important to be aware of your own health and the health of any elderly loved ones in your care. Below are key considerations about breast cancer from the team of professionals at iCare Home Health who deliver home care in Oakville, ON.
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Ways To Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk And Maintain A Breast Cancer Care
Although you can’t change some breast cancer risk factors, such as getting older or your family history, you can help lower your risk of breast cancer by maintaining care for yourself in the following ways.
- Keep a healthy weight
- Avoid or limit hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives
- Eat Healthy
Breast Cancer In The Americas
In the Americas, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. More than 462,000 women are newly diagnosed and aproximately 100,000 women die from breast cancer each year. This is expected to increase by 34% in the Americas by 2030, if current trends continue.
In high income countries, organized screening programs with mammography have led to earlier diagnosis, and coupled with effective treatment, have led to reductions in breast cancer mortality. There are many challenges, however in implementing such effective organized screening programs in limited resource settings. Therefore, raising awareness and understanding about breast cancer risks, early signs and symptoms and overall breast health awareness is an important part of a public health approach for breast cancer.
Join the October Breast Cancer Awareness month campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer and support women to reduce their breast cancer risks, be screened and seek medical attention, if a suspicious lump is detected.
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Why Breast Cancer Awareness Is So Important: A Few Words From Eila
Every October, people across the globe come together to raise awareness of breast cancer and show their support for those affected by the disease. But more so now than ever, its also about exploring and removing the barriers that some people with breast cancer still face.
Anybody can be affected by breast cancer, and it is one of the most common cancers to be diagnosed with. In fact, studies state that one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes in the UK. This may be a devastating figure to grapple with but its worth noting that treatment success rates for breast cancer are pretty optimistic, especially when it is detected early and diagnosed quickly.
And whilst women in the UK are fairly accustomed to hearing about breast cancer awareness, there are still gaps in our knowledge. For instance, did you know that around one in 10 women have reported that they have never checked their breasts?
More alarmingly, studies have found that black women in the UK are disproportionately diagnosed with late stage breast cancer due to the lack of medical representation of women of diverse ethnicities.
With all that in mind, its time we kept the conversation about breast cancer alive and worked on evolving how we deal with these challenges and gaps in our awareness.
Breast Cancer Symptoms And Signs
The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment. Its important to check your breasts regularly, and see your doctor if you notice a change.
Common breast cancer signs and symptoms include:
A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit you might feel the lump but not see it
A change in the color of the breast the breast may look red or inflamed
A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling
A change to the nipple, for example it has become pulled in
A rash or crusting around the nipple
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What Are The Most Common Signs Or Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
Every woman should know about the signs or symptoms of breast cancer to detect early and take breast cancer treatment. Regular mammograms and clinical breast exams are very useful in women. These tests are helpful to detect breast cancer. Lets see some common signs and symptoms of breast cancer in women.
Breast Cancer Affects Older Women More Than It Affects Young And Middle
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer develops in breast cells. It is formed in either the ducts or lobules of the breast. Lobules are glands that produce milk and ducts are like a pathway that passes the milk from the glands to the nipple. Cancer can also grow in the fibrous connective tissue within the breast. The cancer cells often attack other healthy breast tissue and move to the arms lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are a major pathway that helps the cancer cells travel to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer awareness for symptoms and risk should be public knowledge, just like we know when someone has the flu. The more people will know about it the better the chances of detecting abnormalities or breast cancer in its early stages when breast cancer treatment treatmentcan be successful.
Most important thing that women need to know about breast cancer is the risk factors. These risk factors can include heavy alcohol consumption, tobacco, genetics, women over 50 and older, and family history of breast cancer. And there is not any specific breast cancer reason.
Why Self Breast Exams Necessary?
Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can be deducted earlier and treated also. So do not include symptoms which include lumps or lump in the breast, swelling, changes to the nipples like redness, pain, dryness, turning inward, thickest texture, dimpling in the skin, discharge from the nipple area and change to the shape or size of the breast.
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Early Detection Can Save Your Life
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. The good news is that many women survive breast cancer thanks to early detection. When a woman finds her breast cancer early , there is a 95% success rate for treatment. And breast cancer is treated easily with pills instead of chemotherapy and painful radiation therapy when detected in stage 1. The first step of early detection is breast self-examination. Breast self-examination can be accepted as a useful and important screening tool, especially when used in combination with regular physical exams by a doctor, mammography, and in some cases ultrasound and/or MRI.
Screening Information For Breast Cancer
Mammography
Mammography is the best tool doctors have to screen healthy women for breast cancer, as it has been shown to lower deaths from the disease. Like any medical test, mammography involves risks, such as the possibility of additional testing and anxiety if the test falsely shows a suspicious finding, called a âfalse-positiveâ result. Up to 10% to 15% of the time, mammography will not show an existing cancer, called a âfalse-negativeâ result.
Digital mammography may be better able to find breast cancers, particularly in women with dense breasts. A newer type of mammogram is called tomosynthesis or 3D mammography. It may improve the ability to find small cancers and reduce the need to repeat tests due to false-positives. However, there is also the risk of diagnosing problems in the breast that would otherwise go unnoticed and would not lead to any negative consequences. This is called âoverdiagnosisâ and may lead to overtreatment with a potential for harm. This method is approved by the FDA, though research on it is ongoing.
Other breast cancer screening methods
According to the American Cancer Society , women who have BRCA gene mutations, who have a very strong family history of breast cancer, or who had prior radiation therapy to the chest should consider mammography and MRI each year.
Women at moderate risk of breast cancer, such as women with precancerous changes on a biopsy, can talk with their doctor about whether MRI screening should be considered.
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