Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink is the color of the Month. Pink symbolizes women. Women, October is our month. Lets be aware and educate ourselves. If you are a woman, you are potentially at risk for breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society encourages women to follow simple screening guidelines and to learn how to reduce their chance of developing this potentially life threatening disease. However, finding it at an early, treatable stage is vital. Unfortunately, some women ignore getting a mammogram. A late stage breast cancer diagnosis is much harder to treat than an early stage diagnosis. The key to treatment for breast cancer and all cancer in fact, is early detection. Although some of the risk factors linked to breast cancer are known, it's not yet known what all of the causes are. It could be that a woman of average risk for breast cancer may lower her risk somewhat by changing some risk factors. These risk factors include giving birth to several children and breast-feeding them for several months, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods and maintaining the proper body weight. Here are some guidelines I have taken from the American Cancer Society: Mammogram: Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. While mammograms can miss some cancers, they are still a very good tool to find breast cancer. Clinical breast exam: Women in their 20's and 30's should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular exam by a health expert, preferably every three years. After age 40, women should have a CBE by a health expert every year. It might be a good idea to have the CBE shortly before the mammogram. You can use the exam to learn what your own breasts feel like. Breast awareness and breast self-exam (BSE): BSE is an option for women starting in their 20's. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any changes in how their breasts look or feel to their health professional right away. If a woman decides to do BSE, she should have the doctor or nurse check the method to make sure she is doing it properly. If women do BSE on a regular basis, they get to know how their breasts normally look and feel. Then they can more easily notice changes.

Women at high risk: Women with a higher risk of breast cancer should talk with their doctor about the best approach for them. This might mean starting mammograms when they are younger, having extra tests such as an MRI, or having more frequent exams. Mother, sister, daughter, friend, let's take care of our body and be aware of what's happening inside. Educate yourself and it could save your life.