Columns
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
common sense on: breast cancer awareness
How many women in the United States have breast cancer?
Approximately three million women in the U.S. are living with breast cancer: two million who have been diagnosed, plus an estimated one million who do not yet know they have the disease. Studies show that while Hispanic/ Latina women have lower breast cancer rates, they are more likely to die from the cancer. Because of language and income barriers, lack of health insurance, and low awareness of breast cancer risks and screening methods, Hispanic/ Latina women are often diagnosed during the late stages of breast cancer. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides information in Spanish and English on how to detect and fight breast cancer at http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/.
What are some of the warning signs of breast cancer?
Women experience different symptoms. In fact, some never see the telltale signs. That is why screening is so important. Some of the most common signs are the appearance of a lump or a change in breast size or shape. Any changes from what is normal should be reported to your doctor. Also look for changes in color of your breast, as well as skin changes (scaly/itchy areas, dimpling, puckering) or a new pain in one spot.
What are the basic steps I can take to ensure breast health?
Women should begin to conduct monthly breast self-examinations and clinical breast examinations by age 20. At age 40, a woman should start to get mammograms annually.
Women under 40 with either a family history of breast cancer or other concerns about their personal risk should consult a healthcare provider about risk assessment and when to begin mammography. Some specific factors that increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer are older age, later age at menopause, never having children, later age at first full-term pregnancy, daily alcohol consumption, use of hormonal replacement therapy, use of the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES), postmenopausal obesity, ionizing radiation, genetic factors and family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Factors that decrease a woman's risk of breast cancer include: breast-feeding and physical activity.
How can I receive financial assistance for breast cancer screening and/or treatment?
The U.S. government has programs that help patients pay for medical screening and treatment as well as for local community-based programs. If you have questions about breast cancer research and treatment, you can call the National Breast Cancer Coalition at 1-800-622-2838 or the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Help line at 1-800 I’M AWARE.
