October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast cancer touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year, many right here at W-P. Although breast cancer cannot yet be prevented, early detection can and does save thousands of lives each year. In order to detect the disease at its earliest stages and increase the chances of successful treatment, Susan B. Komen for the Cure recommends a combination of annual screening mammograms, clinical breast exam, and monthly breast self exam.

Annual Screening Mammograms ~ A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. It is currently the best screening tool available for detecting breast cancer at the earliest stages, when it is most treatable. Starting at the age of 40, women should schedule a screening mammogram yearly. If you are under the age of 40, but have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your health care provider will most likely recommend an earlier screening mammogram.

Thankfully, mammograms are usually covered by insurance. However, if that is not the case for you please be aware that there are other options. In October each year, during Breast Cancer Awareness month, many radiologists will be performing free or discounted mammography in an attempt to reach women across all financial lines. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and community organizations such as the YWCA, also have programs for this throughout the year . For information on how to get a low-cost or free mammogram or to find a certified radiology center in your area, call the Susan G. Komen for the Cure®’s breast care helpline at 1-877-GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636). . You can also visit the FDA Web site and search a list of certified radiology centers in order to locate one in your area.

Clinical Breast Examinations ~ A clinical breast exam should be done by a healthcare provider at least every 3 years, starting at age 20, and yearly after age 40. The exam should include both visual examination and palpation or feeling of the entire breast and underarm area. This should be done in both lying down and sitting up positions.  It has been shown that when clinical breast exams and mammography are done in combination that less than 5 percent of cancers are missed.

Monthly Breast Self-Examinations ~ Breast self-examination should be done monthly beginning at age 20. It is best to do the exam at the same time each month. For women that are still menstruating, it should be performed after your period has ended when breasts are less tender. For women that are postmenopausal, choose the same time each month to perform the exam. Know what it normal for you and see your health care provider right away if you notice changes such as:
~ Lump, hard knot or thickening
~ Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
~ Change in the size or shape of the breast
~ Dimpling or puckering of the skin
~ Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
~ Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
~ Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
~ New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away
(Information from Susan G. Komen for the Cure)

Breast cancer has more than likely touched upon the lives of each and every one of us, whether that touch was very personal or it touched someone in your daily life. Think back to when your last breast self-exam or clinical exam was done? Are you over 40 and have not yet had your screening mammogram? Or maybe it has been over a year since your last one. Do your breasts, yourself, and your loved ones a big favor; pick up the phone and make those appointments. Remember, early detection saves lives!

For more information about breast cancer, its diagnosis and treatment, and ways to support treatment efforts, please visit the following websites:

Susan G. Komen for the Cure
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
National Breast Cancer Coalition
Breast Cancer 3-Day
Click to Give @ The Breast Cancer Site


~Lynette is a wife and stay-at-home-mom to four children. She is over 40 and now that her youngest has finally weaned she is due for her annual mammogram. Although it's not her favorite visit to the doctor's, the "girls" and their health are extremely important to her so off she will go for the big squish.