Sick of the pink ribbon??

Every year October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink ribbons can be found on anything and everything. Recently I have been wondering, after watching clips and seeing family members from my uncle’s dog to a long lost cousin sport a pink ribbon, that it may be too much.

After so much attention have we become numb to the actual message. Breast Cancer is a difficult and terrible diagnosis. Often we hear about the success stories of those who have made it through this disease. We often aren’t told about those who don’t. Though, the memories of those lost to breast cancer are always close to the family members of those who lost their battle.

Additionally there has been some discussion about being to aware and fear overtaking the mass. Are we over checking for breast cancer. Are young women much too worried about the possible diagnosis of breast cancer. Many argue that screening mammograms are out of control. Everyone from the twenty year old to the forty year old is now waiting to get a mammogram. Is this the best option is pivotal for discussion.

Screening Mammogram vs. Diagnostic Mammogram

There is a large difference. Screening mammograms are done without any symptoms or findings. Diagnostic mammograms are done after a lump is found or another concerning symptom has been found. The difference is who will be getting the mammogram. Screening mammograms are very controversial and much has been written and studied. Diagnostic mammograms have very little controversy.

Are you worried?

There are several things to think about as a women of any age.

1.) Are you at risk?

2.) Do you have symptoms?

3.) Is there a family history?

4.) Have you spoken with your Physician or Mid-level Provider?

Essentially the idea of Breast Cancer Awareness month was something of a good thing. Now we are so used to seeing and hearing about it that it may actually push some people away from doing what they need to do. The person who needs the message may not be the one getting it. Those who need to see their provider may not be the one who can actually get an appointment.

What to do?

Be reasonable about your risk and the risk of your family. Be honest with yourself if you find something concerning such as a lump. Don’t be afraid to speak with someone, especially a family member and your provider. Don’t get overworked and try not to get desensitized by the public push for an entire month of pink ribbons. Understand that this topic is important and should not be overlooked.

Effectiveness of Mammograms

The number one concern of women is breast cancer breast cancer and mammograms can help alleviate finding a breast mass on exam.

The American Cancer Society has long reported a need for routine mammograms to start at age 40. Then mammograms continue every 1 or 2 years following.

It is thought that for women under age of 40 it takes 1900 mammograms to save 1 life

The improvement increases after age 50 to 1300 mammograms to save 1 life.

Others argue that the risk of false positive or non-breast cancers that are diagnosed as breast cancers are a huge concern.

Others reports that mammograms are one step in breast cancer identification. Breast biopsies help confirm or enhance the diagnosis.

Some women report that mammograms have saved their lives and more importantly their confidence.

Robert Smith, director of cancer screening for the American Cancer Society, says his organization also is sticking with the current guidelines “because we not only looked at the evidence that the task force looked at, but we also looked at newer, modern data.”

 

Recent Update

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, in a given statement, reported that the new guidelines had “caused a great deal of confusion and worry among women and their families across this country,” and she stressed that they were issued by “an outside independent panel of doctors and scientists who . . . do not set federal policy and . . . don’t determine what services are covered by the federal government.”

This statement appears to challenge the previous statement by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

Aside from the American Cancer Society, others such as the American College of Radiologyand some members of congress have questioned the new guidlines.

Sebelius added: “My message to women is simple. Mammograms have always been an important life-saving tool in the fight against breast cancer and they still are today. Keep doing what you have been doing for years — talk to your doctor about your individual history, ask questions, and make the decision that is right for you.”

 Mammograms are a key way to diagnosis breast cancer. Mammograms have been a consistent topic in “Facts about Breast Cancer”. Mammograms have been an important theme and has been promoted during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Mammograms are a specialized X-rays that looks at breast tissue. Can be done as a routine screening or following a breast exam finding a concerning nodule.

The American Cancer Society has long reported a need for routine mammograms to start at age 40. Then mammograms continue every 1 or 2 years following.

18 main points of Breast Cancer

1.) Women’s #1 medical fear is Breast Cancer

2.) Breast exams are as important as a Mammogram

3.) Don’t fret for being called back for a “redo” mammogram

4.) Being overweight is a risk – after menopause your risk even increases

5.) Being Active reduces your risk of breast cancer

6.) A nodule found in your breast is rarely breast cancer – read more about breast fibroadenoma

7.) Lumpy breasts are not increased risk for cancer

8.) The lifetime risk of breast cancer is 1 in 8 for women.
–   Starting at age 40 – a 1 in 69 risk to age 70 – a 1 in 27 risk.

9.) First mammogram at age 40 – then every 1-2 years after

10.) Folate or Folic Acid is essential in the diet

11.) Estrogen is often a contributing factor

12.) Alcohol is a risk factor – over 2 drinks a day increases your risk almost 20%

13.) Never having been pregnant may increase your risk

14.) Learn about BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations – can be related to breast cancer

15.) When seen and found early – In the U.S. your chances of survival are at 90% or above

16.) 190,000 women per year are diagnosed while 1,800 men (2005)

17.) 41,116 women died and 375 men (2005 numbers)

18.) Is one of the top ten causes of death for women (#7)

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/c/78/55720/cancer-numbers/2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness is in October of every year – check out the following blog: Awareness of Breast Cancer 2009

Breast Cancer Run in Egypt

Saturday October 24th:

In Egypt a run for  breast cancer sponsored by Susan G. Koman. Several teams of students, workers, Egyptians, have formed for this race.  International sponsors and runners from over 10 several countries from the middle east and Northern Africa will participate.

Awareness of breast cancer in this region of the World has typically been slow but a goal for improved understanding in the middle east in underway especially with this run.  The increased concern is largely due to the number of women fighting breast cancer.

Several high ranking officials from Egypt were found enjoying the “First Race for Breast Cancer Foundation in Egypt“.

“Runners and walkers alike will break the silence that surrounds breast cancer in Egypt, North Africa and the Middle East,” said Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker who is the founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control.

Techniques for Self Breast Exam

A Breast exam and information regarding breast cancer should be important to most women.   Changes to your Breast can occur due to stress, timing of menstrual cycle, Pregnancy, Infection, lactating and more.  Breast exam can still be done while pregnant or with breast implants.

Visualization of breast as well as examination of the breast tissue.   Initially no specific tissue differences will be felt. But over time a difference will be noted.  Soft tissue will be noted, what to look for is a change in tissue.

“You can’t notice a difference until you
know what normal breast tissue feels like”

2 main techniques:

1.) Up and down technique

Use opposite arm of breast being examined
Use 3 fingers
Use pads of fingers
Use pressure during examination
Examine armpits, breast tissue, and nipples
Start high then go straight down in a line
When to below breast – repeat again
Overlapping is common

2.) Circular technique

Use opposite arm of breast being examined
Use 3 fingers
Use pads of fingers
Use pressure during examination
Examine armpits, breast tissue, and nipples
Move fingers clockwise in each region of breast
Start a very small circle
Expand circle outwards
Move to next region, underarm
Overlapping is common

Divide each breast into 4 regions.

–    Inner upper
–    Inner lower
–    Outer upper
–    Outer lower

Consistency is the key – try to always start with the same breast and in the same direction

Start breast exams both prior and after your period ends. Many women have swelling and pain prior to starting their period.

Our society has become much more aware of Breast Cancer. With Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mammograms, MRIs, self breast exams, and medical provider visits.

Awareness does help in the fight against cancer, but it may also increase fear and concern.

When an Abnormal Area is Felt

Don’t panic!!

Only a very small number of “abnormal” areas are actually cancer.

Most are areas are non-cancerous, Breast Fibroadenoma, and/or Fibrocystic Changes.

However, you should inform your medical provider and further test may be necessary

Potential Findings

–    Hard lump
–    Can be near underarm, on breast, or near nipple
–    Abnormal changes
–    Changes in color, texture
–    Changes in size or shape
–    Dimples
–    Inversion of nipple
–    Redness, warmth, or pain
–    Swelling
–    Nipple discharge [abnormal discharge]
–    Rashes, itching
–    Unexplainable sores

Despite decision regarding type of technique, timing of exam, or frequency the key is knowing yourself.

A self breast exam may help – but it is currently it is considered optional.

Awareness of Breast Cancer 2009

Many things arrive in October: Playoff baseball begins in a few weeks and Halloween is just around the corner with pumpkins, ghosts and skeletons.

College football and the NFL are in full swing and Hockey has officially started. October is also important for the awareness of fire prevention.

Each year for the past 25 years another important event has occurred in October. This months is dedicated for Breast Cancer Awareness, also called “NBCAM”.

This organization or partnership is evident in medical, business, and other public sectors. The goal is to promote awareness and increase the desire for women both old and young to discuss this disease, learn about prevention, and to gain greater access to screening opportunities.

Mammograms and provider breast exams will be done in full force in the coming month. Probably more so than any other month of the year.

Several breast cancer issues are currently at the forefront of discussions!!

Such topics include:

–    The use and benefit of mammograms
–    Causes of Breast Cancer
–    The importance of self breast exams
–    The role of Obesity in Breast Cancer
–    Surviving after Breast Cancer

Several walks and runs can be found to promote and remember those who have been affected by breast cancer

In 2009 – over 190,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer. And around 40,000 women are expected
to die this year alone.

Currently mammograms are recommended by the National Cancer Institute for women over the age 40 to be done every 2 years

Some women will have an increased risk of breast cancer and may need to begin screening prior to age 40

Many breast cancer or breast concerns are found on self-breast exams

Some racial disparities do exist. White women are more often diagnosed with breast cancer while Black women have a higher
mortality rate than other racial or ethnic groups.

This years goals should be to improve awareness of the importance of self breast exams and access to screening opportunities for all.

What we can do?:

–    Remember a family member or friend who is going through or has gone through this disease
–    Go for a walk – participate in a sponsored cancer walk
–    Start your own self breast exams
–    Make an appointment for a mammogram
–    Improve your diet and increase exercise

Blog was originally posted at Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For further information – check out the following websites

Find a Breast Cancer T-shirt at the following:

http://hopedreams.wordpress.com/2008/10/02/october-breast-cancer-awareness-month-t-shirts-wear-your-support/

Give a Free Mammogram:

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

http://www.nbcam.org
http://ww5.komen.org
http://www.sonyinsider.com/2009/09/25/sony-electronics-supports-breast-cancer-awareness-month
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-National-Breast-Cancer-Awareness-Month