Breast Cancer Awareness - signs, screenings and survival

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was launched in 1985 by American Cancer Society partnering with the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries. Betty Ford played an important role in the first initial week-long event. She was diagnosed with breast cancer herself while her husband Gerald Ford was President of the United States bringing more attention to the cause.

Breast Cancer has affected, many if not all, in one way or another. Most have all felt it’s impact in their family or circle of friends. One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime and the majority of them have no family history. That is why routine screening is so important for all women.

What is breast cancer

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast mutate and continue to multiply in their altered form. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer is determined by which cells and where in the breast the cells become cancerous. A breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts and connective tissue. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma) or lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma).

Breast cancer can spread outside the breast using the channels of blood vessels and lymph vessels. When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it has metastasized.

Screening and symptoms

Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat.

Every woman can and should be practicing breast self-exams each month. Learn how to properly perform an at home breast examination by visiting breastcancer.org.

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. In most instances, mammograms are the best way to locate breast cancer in its early stages, when it is easier to treat and before it is large enough to be felt during a physical exam. Many providers will suggest routine mammograms yearly once women reach the age of 40.

It’s important to not wait until you are experiencing symptoms to get checked by a doctor. Symptoms typically appear late, after the cancer has grown larger, making it more difficult to treat.

Every woman can experience different symptoms. Some individuals don’t exhibit signs or symptoms at all. However, some warning signs include but are not limited to, a new lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling of part of the breast and irritation or dimpling of the breast's skin.

As important as it is to screen, it is just as important to know when and how often to screen. Women ages 40-49 should have the option to an annual mammogram. It is strongly encouraged that women 45-49 receive an annual mammogram. Women ages 50-54 should be screened each year. Given that there are no indicated risks in previous scans, women 55 and beyond have the option to regress to a mammogram screening every other year.

These are guidelines set by American Cancer Society. Haxtun Health advises women speak directly with their primary healthcare provider to discuss screening options and what is best for each individual.

Treatment

Breast cancer is treated in several different ways. Once cancer has been found on a mammogram image, the primary physician will refer the individual to a cancer expert, an oncologist. An oncologist will be able to determine the best course of action and a treatment plan based on the type of breast cancer that developed and how far it has matured. Women diagnosed with breast cancer often receive more than one form of treatment. Treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and radiation therapy.

Take action

Early diagnosis is beneficial to increase survival rates. Regular, annual screenings greatly increase the chances of catching breast cancer in its early stages when it is easiest to treat. To schedule your annual exam and screening, call the Haxtun Health Clinic at (970) 774-6187.