Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Nobody likes to hear the “C” word.  It is a scary word and unfortunately 1 out of 8 women will hear this word due to being diagnosed with breast cancer.  When breast cancer is detected early, and is in a localized area, the 5-year survival rate is 100% (National Breast Cancer. Org, 2019) . Early detection includes doing mammograms, self-breast exams monthly and regular clinical breast exams.

Signs & Symptoms of Breast Cancer

• Breast pain (any discomfort, tenderness, or pain in the breast or underarm area, and it may occur for numerous reasons. Most often breast pain is not a sign of cancer.
• Breast cyst or lump (If you find a lump, don’t panic — 8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous, call your provider).

Diagnosis and Treatment

Breast cancer can be diagnosed through several tests, including a mammogram, ultrasound, MRI and biopsy.  If diagnosed with breast cancer there are five different treatment options or a combination of them: surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Some are local, targeting just the area around the tumor. Others are systemic, targeting your whole body with cancer fighting agents (National Breast Cancer. Org, 2019).

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are many resources and programs to help and offer support. You can also call your local hospital and ask to speak to a social worker or patient navigator, they should be able to refer you to state or local programs for screening and/or treatment of breast cancer.

In conclusion, know your breasts, do self-breast exams monthly, start mammogram screenings at the recommendations of your provider.  Talk to your provider or contact Madison Women’s Health today for an appointment https://madisonwomenshealth.com.

References

(2019, 10 11). Retrieved from National Breast Cancer. Org:  www.nationalbreastcancer.org