Prioritizing Breast Health
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While we take a moment to show support to the fighters, spread light to the loved ones of those who lost the battle and salute the survivors, it’s also very important to educate ourselves as much as possible about the disease.
Globally: Breast cancer affects more women than any other type of cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. ~According to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners | African American women have a 31% breast cancer mortality rate – the highest of any U.S. racial or ethnic group.
The disease develops when cells within the breast grow abnormally and multiply to form a tumor. More than half of cases are invasive and can spread from the breast to other areas of the body. At a beginning stage, this type of cancer can be easily treated. However, typically symptoms are rare or unnoticeable, which is why routine mammogram screenings critical for women’s health.
Why early detection is important:
It improves mortality rates.
Treatment outcomes are better.
More options are available for effective treatment.
It increases the chances of successful treatment.
Regular screening tests are the most reliable way to find breast cancer early.
Simply put, early detection saves lives.
Annual screening mammograms allow doctors to understand your health history, evaluate changes in your breasts and help detect early signs of breast cancer when it's most treatable. According to the American Cancer Society, women with an average risk of breast cancer should start getting mammograms every year at age 45. However, women have the option to start screening yearly as early as age 40. After that, they can switch to biannual screenings or keep getting mammograms every year until they are 55.
Getting annual Mammograms doesn’t have this daunting task it’s imagined to be. You’re allowed to get creative and make it fun!
When my sister turned 40, she joined my mother every year to get screened. After my 40th birthday, it was my turn to join the traditional girl’s day out. We’ve made it a generational commitment for females in our family to schedule mammo’s together, followed by brunch or an outing to celebrate. We are celebrating prioritizing our health, as a unit, as sisters, as mother and daughter, as best friends!
Prioritizing your breast health also means performing regular self-exams. Here are some tips on how to correctly check your breasts for abnormalities.
Do your breast exam at the same time each month, preferably a few days after your menstrual cycle
Inspect your breasts visually by looking for puckering, dimpling or changes in symmetry
A common question amongst younger women is determining when if and when it is recommended to get checked before 40. An American Cancer Society Study indicates earlier diagnosis is possible, as the disease was detected before the age of 40 in more than 10% of African American women with breast cancer. Considering the statistics, a women should immediately schedule an appointment with a physician when experiencing any kind of pain, swelling, lumpiness, or leakage around the breast area.
Let’s spread awareness by continuing to prioritize our health, staying informed and supporting the fighters.
The Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline provides information about breast health, breast cancer, local and national resources and information about clinical trials. Call 1-877-465-6636 or email helpline@komen.org.