Breast cancer awareness month kicks off October 1

  • Shelly Webb
  • October 2, 2011
  • 249
                        
Summary- ‘Breast cancer’…few words evokes such emotion and fear as these two. The American Cancer Society wants to remind all women that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Knowing your risks and the best prevention measures could save your life. Story- What woman hasn’t held her breath a little bit as her doctor performs a breast exam or felt a surge of fear when the radiologist slaps the mammogram film up on the view box? Have you ever tried to read the face of a surgeon as he brings in the biopsy results or stayed up all night wondering what a small lump you’ve discovered will turn out to be? Unfortunately too many women reading this article are relating to these questions in a big way. It is estimated that 230,480 women and 2,140 men are newly diagnosed with invasive breast cancer every year. Of those 230,480 women approximately 16 will reside in Holmes County. Breast cancer also claims the lives of 39,520 women and 450 men annually, including 5 women within Holmes County. Despite these numbers more and more women are surviving breast cancer. Since 1990 statistics have shown much promise and hope for those diagnosed with the disease. According to American Cancer Society (ACS) Senior Director of Media Relations, Wendy Simpkins, the main reason for successes being seen in treating breast cancer are due to early detection through mammography and improvements in treatment. “During National Breast Cancer Awareness month we want to remind women to get screened on a regular basis, perform self-breast exams and be diligent in the fight against this disease,” Simpkins shared. “There are important steps women can take to help reduce their chances of having breast cancer or to find it early.” Simpkins said that since 1990 there have been great improvements in mammography and that today a mammogram is able to detect breast cancers earlier, at a point when they are easier to treat and the chances of survival are better. “Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, other than skin cancer,” Simpkins shared. “However, nearly all breast cancers can be treated successfully if they are found early. For a woman of average risk, an annual mammogram starting at age 40 is your best defense against breast cancer. It can detect breast cancer before any physical symptoms develop. When found at the earliest, most treatable stage, breast cancer has a 98% five-year survival rate.” In addition to self-breast exams and annually mammograms, there are other lifestyle choices you can implement that may help to reduce your risks of breast cancer. The ACS recommends eating a healthy diet to help control weight because being overweight may raise breast cancer risks, also get regular physical exercise (30 minutes a day, five days a week) and limit the amount of alcohol to no more than one drink per day. In some studies, alcohol has been clearly linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer or any other cancer the ACS is there to guide and direct you. Local patients fighting cancer can find help by calling the American Cancer Society anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 for free information, help, and support. “Anyone may call and talk to a trained cancer information specialist or oncology nurse to find out more about their diagnosis and treatment options,” Simpkins said. “You can also learn more about clinical trials, or find resources if you are uninsured or losing your insurance. The Society offers free help with day-to-day needs, including lodging if you have to travel for treatment. We offer information about nutrition during treatment, pain management, and other topics at www.cancer.org/onlineclasses.” Through their many programs and helps the ACS served 57 cancer patients in Holmes County in the last fiscal year. All of the services are free and made possible by generous donors, including the local Relay for Life supporters. The ACS has invested more than $3.6 billion into finding cures for cancer. More funding has been allocated for breast cancer research than any other cancer. This has played a part in many of the major breast cancer research breakthroughs such as showing mammography as an effective test for breast cancer, developing lifesaving treatments such as Tamoxifen and Herceptin, finding genetic causes for breast cancer and many other research based discoveries. “The ACS invites women to make a pledge today to get a mammogram and implement healthier choices in their lives,” Simpkins said. “There are great tips, tools and recipes on www.chooseyou.com. This is a neat website that will help women focus on their health.” This National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society wants to help you move beyond awareness and into action. For more information about how you can help create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays, call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 anytime, day or night, or visit www.cancer.org/breast cancer.


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