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(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Since 1985, the month of October has been recognized each year as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
It started out as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society, but soon developed into a month-long event.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, along with Graham Regional Medical Center, have provided pertinent information and statistics about the importance of this month and the disease for which it is known.
“We encourage all women to talk with their doctors about breast cancer screening because it can save your life,” Faith Sandberg-Rodriguez, associate commissioner of Family Clinical Services for HHSC said in a press release. “The idea that you or someone you know and love might have cancer is scary, but early detection means the disease is easier to treat. Living a healthy life post-cancer is possible.”
In 2023, approximately 20,319 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in the state of Texas, and an estimated 3,471 of those women died from the disease. This statistic makes breast cancer the second most common cause of cancer death for women in Texas, only behind lung cancer.
There are various signs or symptoms that may indicate the presence of breast cancer, but these signs do not automatically mean an individual has breast cancer. But a healthcare professional should be consulted if anything unusual is noticed.
Some of these signs and symptoms include nipple tenderness, a change in skin texture of the breast, a lump in the breast, any unexplained change in the size or shape of the breast, dimpling anywhere on the breast or more.
Routine breast cancer screenings are one of the most recommended ways to combat this disease. GRMC shared that it is suggested that women receive their first mammogram at 40 years old to assist with early detection. Women ages 45-54 are suggested to screen yearly, while women 55 and older can switch to every other year, if medically suggested.
According to GRMC, “(A mammogram) is a low-dose X-ray that looks for changes in breast tissue. Regular mammograms can help find breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is most likely successful. Early detection is crucial for combating breast cancer. While one of the most common symptoms of breast cancer is a new lump, a patient is likely not to notice unless they are doing regular self-breast exams. Most lumps are not cancer; however, anytime a new one is noticed, it is essential to have it looked at to rule out breast cancer.”
There are two types of mammograms: a screening mammogram for patients without symptoms, which is often referred to as an annual exam, and a comprehensive mammogram and ultrasound for patients who have symptoms or who have had an abnormal screening.
GRMC offers these types of mammograms, and throughout the month of October, the hospital offers mammograms for a discounted rate of $150, available with cash pay only. To schedule an appointment, interested individuals can contact 940-521-5375.
Multiple options are possible for treatment, depending on the severity of the diagnosis. However, breast cancer, if detected early enough, has a five year survival rate of 99%.
According to information provided by GRMC, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, but there are over four million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. While it may be more common for women to develop breast cancer, it is possible for men to contract the disease, as well.
Various risk factors that a person can control include physical activity, taking hormones, drinking alcohol, smoking and an individual’s reproductive history. There are also multiple factors outside of one’s control.
It is recommended that if a person has immediate relatives like a mother or sister that developed breast cancer, that individual should consider getting mammograms 10 years earlier than when the family member was diagnosed.
Second-degree relatives like grandmothers or aunts also increase the chances of a person developing breast cancer, but it is not the same risk category as if it were a first-degree relative.
If multiple generations of a family were diagnosed with breast cancer, the probability increases that there is a cancer gene which is a contributing cause. Individuals with this family history should consult with their physicians on getting tested for breast cancer gene mutation.
Breast cancer awareness is important to consider always, but October is a time for people to learn more about the disease. Throughout the month, three individual days are celebrated as well: Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Sunday, Oct. 13, Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day on Wednesday, Oct. 16 and National Mammography Day on Friday, Oct. 18.
