BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Roxborough Memorial Hospital brings awareness of cancer prevention and the importance of fast diagnosis and treatment.
This time is used to increase the awareness of the steps that can be taken to help detect and treat this disease. Educating women about breast health as well as early detection and treatment is of utmost importance.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women should begin having yearly mammograms by age 45 and can change to having mammograms every other year beginning at age 55. However, you should talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors before making a decision about when to start getting mammograms or how often you should get them.
HOW CAN IT BE DETECTED/PREVENTED?
When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is the best prevention, as 1 in 8 women are being diagnosed during their lifetime, according to the ACS. Self-examination, while in the shower, as well as a yearly screening mammography can help physicians with early detection which leads to early treatment, before the cancer has a chance to grow.
Know your risk factors. One of the most common risk factors for developing breast cancer is family history. If any of your family members have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be at greater risk to develop it yourself.
Perform a self-exam once a month to determine whether there are any changes or lumps in the breasts.
Get a mammogram. 3D Mammography takes multiple images in order to recreate a 3-dimensional picture of the breast and underlying tissue. 3D mammogram helps doctors thoroughly screen for breast cancer, including people who have no noticeable signs or symptoms. The technique may be particularly important for some females, such as those with dense breast tissue. This newer technology tends to give a more complete image of the breast tissue, making abnormal growths and other issues in the breast easier to see.
Although a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, it can be successfully treated with the right medical care. Prime Healthcare Pennsylvania Region hospitals ( Roxborough Memorial Hospital, Lower Bucks Hospital, and Suburban Community Hospital) are here to guide you on your journey towards good health.