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October
Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
 Auburn,
Oct. 19---Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer
in women. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality
in women.
The National Breast
Cancer Awareness Month program is dedicated to increasing public
knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
The national education campaign reaches out to the general public,
city, state and federal governments, health care professionals,
employers, members of the news media and women of all ages and
ethnic groups.
The American Cancer
Society estimates about 3,000 cases of breast cancer will be
diagnosed in Alabama this year and about 600 women are expected to
die due to breast cancer.
Death rates in women
aged 20-69 declined 25 percent since 1990. Researchers believe early
detection and improved treatment are responsible. Chances of
survival are better than ever and the earlier the cancer is
detected, better the chance of surviving the disease.
The earliest sign of
breast cancer is an abnormality that shows up on a mammogram. Breast
cancers may also be discovered as a painless lump or mass by the
patient. Other breast changes, such as thickening, swelling,
dimpling, skin irritation, distortion, retraction, scaliness, pain,
tenderness of the nipple, or nipple discharge, may be symptoms of
breast cancer and a physician should be consulted.
Both genetic and
environmental factors are believed to play a role in a woman's risk
of developing breast cancer. The risk increases with age, a personal
or family history of breast cancer, beginning menstruation period at
an early age, late age at menopause, lengthy exposure to cyclical
estrogen, never had children or late age having children.
Additional factors that
may increase risks of breast cancer include pesticide and other
chemical exposures, alcohol consumption, induced abortion, high-fat
diet, and physical inactivity.
Since adult women may
not be able to alter their personal risk factors in any practical
sense, the best way for reducing mortality is through early
detection.
SOURCE: Dr. Kathleen
Tajeu, Community Health Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension
System (334) 844-2201
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