Breast Cancer Awareness

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Facts

1. Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
2. This year more than 211,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected in the United States.
3. One woman in eight who lives to age 85 will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
4. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55.
5. 1,600 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 400 are predicted to die.
6. Seventy percent of all breast cancers are found through breast self-exams. Not all lumps are detectable by touch. Regular mammograms and monthly breast self-exams are recommended.
7. Eight out of ten breast lumps are not cancerous. If you find a lump, don’t panic—call your doctor for an appointment.
8. Mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination that can detect breast cancer up to two years before it is large enough to be felt. (source)

What are the signs of breast cancer?

The signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women. In fact, some women have no signs that they can see. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away:

* A lump, hard knot or thickening
* Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
* Change in breast size or shape
* Dimpling or puckering of the skin
* Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
* Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
* Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
* New pain in one spot .

An Early Breast Cancer Detection Plan should include:

* Clinical breast examinations every three years from ages 20-39, then every year thereafter.
* Monthly breast self-examinations beginning at age 20. Look for any changes in your breasts.
* Baseline mammogram by the age of 40.
* Mammogram every one to two years for women 40-49, depending on previous findings.
* Mammogram every year for women 50 and older.
* A personal calendar to record your self-exams, mammograms, and doctor appointments.
* A low-fat diet, regular exercise, and no smoking or drinking.

The third Friday in October each year is National Mammography Day, first proclaimed by President Clinton in 1993. On this day, or throughout the month, women are encouraged to make a mammography appointment.

HELP

Be a Boobiethon participant. I did this last year and it's pretty neat. Last year $9240.40 was raised. (Homepage link to Boobiethon is work-safe)



Donate: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., American Cancer Society