October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month — What Every Woman Needs to Know
Recommended Breast Screenings
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society recommend the following screening guidelines:
- Monthly breast self-examination beginning at age 20
- Clinical breast examination at least every three years beginning at 20, and annually after age 40
- Annual screening mammography beginning at age 40
Women who are at high risk for breast cancer should be screened at an earlier age.
October 2007 — In 2005, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 212,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and that over 41,000 will die. One woman in seven either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You owe it to yourself and the women you love to know the latest methods for detecting and treating breast cancer. Early detection and leading-edge treatments are helping more women survive this deadly disease. In fact, when detected early, the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 95 percent.
Know Yourself
"Early breast cancer doesn't cause pain and there are really no symptoms at all," says Jeanne Brotzky, Director of Women's Health Services at Memorial Regional Hospital Women's Imaging Center. "That's why mammogram screenings are so important. However, as the cancer grows, it can cause changes that women should watch for. By performing monthly breast self-examinations, women will know what is normal for their breasts. If they detect a change, they should contact their physician immediately."
Changes to watch for include:
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Nipple discharge or sudden onset of nipple inversion (nipple turned inward)
- Dimpling, puckering or color change in the skin
- Change in the way the skin of the breast, areola or nipple looks or feels
Finding a lump or change in the breast does not necessarily mean breast cancer is present. However, it is important to see a physician to diagnose and treat any problems as early as possible.
Screening and Diagnosis
In addition to monthly breast self-examinations, it is recommended that women have an annual screening mammogram beginning at age 40, unless there is a family history of breast cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that identifies breast cancer that is too small to detect through routine breast self-examinations or clinical breast examinations.
Memorial facilitates optimal early detection by offering the R2 ImageChecker, a diagnostic tool that digitally analyzes mammogram film and marks areas that may need a closer look. The R2 ImageChecker is responsible for finding up to 28 percent more cancers than manual readings alone.
The Breast MRI Biopsy Coil is another early detection tool providing patients with the earliest and most accurate diagnosis possible. This special test allows breast radiologists to locate and, in some cases, biopsy small lesions that may otherwise go undetected.
Women diagnosed with breast cancer will be referred to physicians who are highly experienced in the treatment of the disease. Memorial Breast Cancer Center is a comprehensive center offering specialized medical expertise, innovative treatment options, alternative therapies and a variety of support services.
If you have concerns about your risk of breast cancer and would like a referral to a physician, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.