October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 17th is National Mammography Day. If you are age 40 or older, it is recommended that you have a mammogram every year. While mammograms can miss some cancers, they are still a very good way to find breast cancer. Mammograms typically find cancer at an earlier stage when it is more treatable. Regular screening could lead to many more lives being saved. However, despite the advantages of having regular mammograms, some women are still not getting screened. The month of October can be used as an incentive or reminder to schedule your annual mammogram or encourage someone you love to get screened.
Mammograms are also recommended for women younger than age 40 if they have additional risk factors. For example, if you have a mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast cancer, you would have higher risk for the disease and should be screened appropriately.
If you are a woman between the ages of 50 and 65 who has no health insurance (or a high deductible) and who meets income requirements, you might be eligible for a mammogram paid for by the Wisconsin Well Woman Program. Call the North Shore Health Department at 371-2980 if you think you may be eligible.
In addition to regular screening, lifestyle habits can help lower risk for breast cancer. Controlling weight and being physically active are important factors as well as limiting alcohol intake. Educate yourself on the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Also, it is important to know your family history of breast cancer and what you can do to lower your risk.
Research has shown that breast self exam plays a small role in finding breast cancer compared with finding a lump by chance or simply being aware of what is normal for each woman. Therefore, monthly breast self exam is considered an option for women but is no longer recommended. The advantage of regular self exams is a sense of normal for each person.
Unfortunately, men can also get breast cancer and there were 1,815 men diagnosed in 2004. Like women, men should also be aware of how their breasts look and feel and notice any changes that might take place. If changes are noted, consult with your doctor without delay.
More information on mammograms and breast cancer can be found at the following websites:
http://cdc.gov/features/breastcancerawareness http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp?dt=5 http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/womenshealth/WWWP
