Pink ribbons are synonymous with breast cancer awareness, particularly in October when the month is dedicated to the cause. Athletes and celebrities have helped raise visibility beyond the ribbon by incorporating the color pink into their wardrobe and hair color choices, but for the more than 310,000 women and men diagnosed in the U.S. this year, it’s nothing more than a reminder that every day of every month is consumed by the disease.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, advances in early detection and treatment methods have significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 99 percent.
Early Detection
Women as young as 18 should learn how to do monthly breast self-exams and report any lumps, growths, or hot spots to their physicians. By age 40, mammograms should be scheduled every 1-2 years under the guidance of a primary care physician.
Why Mammograms are Important
Even women who have no symptoms and no known risks for breast cancer should have regularly scheduled mammograms to help detect potential breast cancer at the earliest possible time.Mammograms often show a breast lump before it can be felt. They also can show tiny clusters of calcium called micro-calcifications. Lumps or specks can be caused by cancer, fatty cells, or other conditions like cysts.
Stay Proactive
There are currently over four million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Receiving regular health screenings, such as mammograms, well-woman exams, and other screenings as recommended by your doctor, can help identify health problems in their early stages when they are easier to treat.
Develop Healthy Habits
The Patient Navigator Program is a proactive approach to helping patients overcome the barriers of cost, fear, and misinformation surrounding a disease and its prevention. Find a facility.
