October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Carolina Boyd, Communications Associate

The power of pink is everywhere this October as we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This yearly event is more than just a way to raise funds for breast cancer research. It helps to increase awareness for the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Every year in the United States, about 250,000 women and men are diagnosed with breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2020 about 42,170 women in the United States will die from breast cancer. As stark as the estimate is, breast cancer deaths have been going down. The death rate from female breast cancer actually dropped 40% from 1989 to 2016. These decreases are credited to improved treatment, increased awareness and earlier detection through screening. For women under the age of 45, breast cancer is more common in Black women than white women. However, Black women are more likely to die of breast cancer.

While there is no way to prevent breast cancer, there are ways most women can lower their risk for the disease. Those include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying physically active
• Limiting the use of alcohol
• Eating a healthy diet
• Breastfeeding
• Avoiding the use of cigarettes

Since breast cancer often has no symptoms, regular breast cancer screenings are all the more important. Mammograms can help doctors detect cancer in the early stages, when treatment is most successful.

According to the ACS, women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to begin annual mammograms if they choose. However, regular mammograms are recommended every year for women between ages 45-54, and then every two years beginning at age 55.

Breast cancer is often first discovered by women, which is why many doctors stress the importance of breast self-awareness. Some of the signs that women should look for include: a lump, changes in the size and shape of the breast, swelling or redness, nipple discharge or rash, or skin dimpling (like an orange peel). Women should report any breast changes to their health care providers right away.

Talk to your Legacy primary care or OB/GYN physician about any concerns you have about your breast health. Call 832-548-5000 or click here to make an appointment.