October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. According to the America Cancer Society, breast cancer is a disease that one in eight women may develop in their lifetime.
Early intervention is the key to beating the disease, Kelli Downey, Breast Health Navigator at Knox Community Hospital, told the Mount Vernon News. Regular mammograms are an effective way to detect breast cancer in its early stages when it is much easier to treat and more importantly, cure!
"Mammograms may be uncomfortable," said Downey. "However, I cannot stress enough how important it is to have an annual mammogram starting when your health care provider feels it is best.”
Although mammograms can be uncomfortable for many patients, the benefits far outweigh the discomfort, Downey stated. "In the grand scheme of things, the pain is just a few minutes of time which could save your life.”
Your physician is the best person to provide advice about when to start having annual mammograms.
Factors such as a family history of breast cancer could affect the age that would be recommended to begin annual mammograms, Downey said.
"If the patient detects a lump or is having abnormal nipple discharge, or the breast just doesn't look or feel right, then they should inform their provider," she said. "We've had women who are as young as 15, as well as women in their 20s who have had breast lumps."
Men can also develop breast cancer, although it is not as common as among women, Downey said.
"Treatment is definitely more targeted than in the past," said Downey. "Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and/or hormonal therapy. The form of treatment is tailored to the extent and characteristics of the tumor, as well as taking in to account the individual person."
"If you feel something or notice something that just does not seem right, talk to your health care provider," she said. "Get that journey started. It could end up saving your life."
