October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
During this final week in October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take the opportunity to encourage women to be proactive in the fight against breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer related death in women. Early detection and treatment are key factors in survival.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is a little less than 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 35. The good news is that breast cancer death rates have been going down and this is probably the result of finding the cancer earlier and better treatment. Right now there are more than 2½ million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
Below are some of the ACS guidelines for early detection of breast cancer, which is a key in preventing cancer related deaths:
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Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health
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Clinical breast exam (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over. -
Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers.Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. -
Women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.
Women can receive an annual reminder for their mammogram or clinical breast exams by registering at the ACS website www.cancer.org. In the St. Louis area, Barnes Jewish Hospitals and the Siteman Cancer Center have teamed up to provide residents with a mobile mammogram service. Their Mammography Van is on the road five days a week providing convenient access and free screenings to those who may not otherwise have this service available to them. Medical Centers such as St. Anthony’s, St. Luke’s, Missouri Baptist and others also provide free screenings. For options in your area contact your ElderCare Specialist.
The ACS has a special section of their website devoted to Breast Cancer Awareness at www.cancer.org. You can visit the site to learn more about risks, prevention, and treatment options. The website includes stories of hope and survival that are truly inspirational. There is also a link available if you would like to make a donation to help fund educational programs and research initiatives, cover the cost of free screenings, or to help patients who cannot afford to pay for treatment. As of today, the St. Louis area has donated over $66,000 online. THINK PINK!
The compassionate staff at St. Andrew’s Senior Solutions serves and supports older adults and their families by providing respite care, care management, and nursing services. For more information please contact your Caregiver Specialist at 314-802-5106, toll free 1-888-388-1930 or hobrien@standrews1.com.