October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Maj. Lisa Davison
  • 14th Medical Operations Squadron
Please join the 14th Medical Group to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month during the month of October. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer ranks second only to certain skin cancers as the most common cancer in women. Currently breast cancer accounts for approximately one of every three new cancers diagnosed. Men are at a lower risk of developing breast cancer but should still be aware of the risks factors and symptoms. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2004 there were 188,772 women and 1,815 men who were diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells, specifically in the breast tissue, grow out of control. Symptoms may or may not be present and can include the following: lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling in part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of the breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple or breast area, pulling in of the nipple, nipple discharge other than breast milk, a change in the size or shape of a breast, and pain in the nipple or breast. Although these symptoms can occur with conditions that are not cancer, women and even men with any of these signs should seek medical care as soon as possible.

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. These include older age, never giving birth or being older at the birth of your first child, never breastfeeding, younger age at start of menstrual cycle or older age at start of menopause, personal or family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter), being overweight and/or not getting regular exercise, long-term use of hormone replacement therapy and drinking more than one alcoholic drink per day. Having any of these risk factors does not mean you will develop breast cancer. However, it is important to discuss any risk factors you have with your provider and discuss ways to lower your risk.

Breast cancer screening is important since cancer can be identified before any signs or symptoms appear. Treatment for breast cancer is more likely to work well when the disease is found in the early stage. There are three main tests used to screen for breast cancer: mammogram, clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider and self breast exam. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and is recommended every one to two years for women 40 years and older. According to the Department of Health and Human Services it is the best method to detect breast cancer early and has been found to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. If you choose to have clinical breast exams or to perform breast self-exams, be sure you also get regular mammograms.

The 14th MDG currently offers multiple services for breast cancer screening. A clinical breast exam is accomplished as part of a well-women exam with your primary care manager or the Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. The 14th MDG also offers a self-request mammogram program. If it has been at least one year since your previous mammogram, you can contact the appointment line directly at 434-2273 to schedule your mammogram. If you are enrolled to a doctor down town, you need only to provide the radiology department with their full name and their fax number so they can receive the results.

This year's logo is "Proud to Wear Pink". There will be an informational display in the lobby all month. Also, there will be a Women's Health Fair Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the clinic with scheduled appointments for pap smears and breast exams as well as mammography. Informational and educational displays as well as free give-a-ways will also be available throughout the facility. We will also have the ability to schedule future exams as needed. Please stop by and bring a friend, even if you don't have a scheduled appointment.