ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. –
October is both National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Air Force Women's Health Month.
In observance of these important health initiatives, the health care team at the 79th Medical Group invites everyone to make October the month that their health becomes a top priority.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer ranks second only to certain skin cancers as the most common cancer in women. Currently breast cancer accounts for approximately 1 of every 3 new cancers diagnosed. Men are at a lower risk of developing breast cancer but should still be aware of the risks factors and symptoms.
Statistics indicate that this year in America, more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and about 40,460 women will die from this disease. The good news is that today, if detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 95 percent.
"Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million American women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram," said Major Geraldine E. Holmes-Barnett, health care integrator, Malcolm Grow Medical Center.
Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells specifically in the breast tissue grow out of control. Symptoms may or may not be present and can include the following: lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling in part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of the breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple or breast area, pulling in of the nipple, nipple discharge other than breast milk, a change in the size or shape of a breast, and pain in the nipple or breast.
"Although these symptoms can occur with conditions that are not cancer, women with any of these signs should seek medical care as soon as possible," said Major (Dr.) Colleen Kersgard, 79th Medical Operations Squadron Hematology and Oncology Clinic chief.
Research has shown that certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. These include never giving birth or being older at the birth of your first child, never breastfeeding, younger age at start of menstrual cycle or older aged at start of menopause, personal or family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter), being overweight or not getting regular exercise, long-term use of hormone replacement therapy, and drinking more than one alcoholic drink per day.
"Having any of these risk factors does not mean that an individual will develop breast cancer," said Dr. Kersgard. "However, it is important to discuss any risk factors you have with your provider and ways to lower your risk."
Breast cancer screening is important since cancer can be identified before any signs or symptoms appear. Studies show that treatment for breast cancer is more likely to work well when the disease is found in the early stage. There are three main tests used to screen for breast cancer: mammogram, clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider, and self breast exam.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is recommended every 1-2 years for women 40 years and older. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, it is the best method to detect breast cancer early and has been found to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.
"If you choose to have clinical breast exams or to perform breast self-exams, be sure you also get regular mammograms," said Major Holmes-Barnett.
Individuals with the following concerns or conditions should schedule an appointment, prior to having a mammogram: new breast lump or breast changes, presence of breast implants, history of breast cancer, any breast surgery or procedures since the last mammogram, or women who are currently pregnant or nursing, said Dr, Kersgard.
"Your provider highly encourages you to get a clinical breast exam accomplished as part of a well-women exam; you may have this done either with your primary care manager or at the Women's Health Clinic," said Major Holmes-Barnett.
If you are high risk for breast cancer, have known breast concerns and are in need of more than a screening exam, you will require a clinical breast exam prior to your mammogram test; during your clinic visit, your provider can place a computerized referral for you to have a mammogram, at the radiology department, she added.
According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women either have or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime and the chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 33.
"Your health care team is committed to giving you the finest possible health care. We believe that breast exams and annual mammograms can be your best tools for early detection and treatment should you need it," said Major Holmes-Barnett. "We hope you will be our partner in the prevention effort. Don't wait."