October is Breast Cancer Awarness Month

“The Best Protection is Early Detection”. This is very true when it comes to breast cancer prevention. Breast Cancer still remains one of the most diagnosed cancers in women today. Research shows, 1 in 69 women in their 40’s will get breast cancer, but a much higher ratio of young women will have a positive mammogram. Statistics say that, 9 out of 10 times, these women won’t have cancer because many lumps are benign and will not spread. That’s good news!

It is important to know that any woman can assess her personal risk for breast cancer by looking at her family history, monitoring her alcohol and nutritional intake, and measuring the amount of physical activity in her day. The Centers for Disease Control reports that mammograms are the best way to detect cancer.  However, a woman can perform the 3 exams below to detect breast cancer early.

1. Mammogram-this special x-ray can find cancer lumps before they are felt by a woman or her physician.

2. Clinical Breast exam-this exam is done by a physician. It includes a visual examination and feeling of the entire breast and under arm area.

3. Breast Self-exam (BSE)- women need to know the normal feel and look of their breast to check for changes monthly. 

If you need help with getting a mammogram, please call our Breast Health Promoters program at: 609-481-3107                                                                                                                                              

Please visit:  www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast for more information about breast cancer screening.