Breast Cancer Awareness Month
By: Nina Arnold, MPH, ACM-RN, CHWC
Today I attended a funeral for a family member who died of breast cancer. Breast cancer is now the second leading cause of death among women in the United States. Statistics show 1 in 8 women at risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, so you likely know a woman who has been or will be diagnosed, including a loved one or a public figure.
Fifty years ago, Betty Ford was one of the first prominent woman to publicly share her breast cancer diagnosis. A couple of years later, in 1976, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommended mammography as a tool for early detection.
More recently, Shannon Doherty publicly shared her 9-year breast cancer journey that ended in her death this past July at age 53. Only three months earlier, the US Preventive Services Task Force lowered the breast cancer screening guidelines from age 45 to age 40.
There are several factors that increase the risk of breast cancer, including age, family history, genetics, and multiple lifestyle factors. Although rare, men can also get diagnosed with breast cancer.
Our healthcare providers continue to emphasize the need for yearly mammograms for breast cancer screening. Mammograms have become increasingly sensitive in detecting questionable lumps in the breast or surrounding tissue, often growths that could not be felt by self-examination. For women with exceptionally dense breasts, an ultrasound is often performed at the same time.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how you can decrease your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and being physically active. Most importantly, talk with your trusted healthcare provider about getting timely breast cancer screening.
