Breast Cancer Awareness

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and can be a good time for women of all ages to become more well-informed and educated on the topic. Each year around 264,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those 264,000 women diagnosed, 42,000 die from the disease each year. It is essential that women and young girls become more educated on signs to look for in order to prevent a late diagnosis.

Signs of breast cancer can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms may include a lump in the breast or armpit, irritation or rash on the breast skin, flaking skin around the nipple and nipple discharge. Taking note of any change and reaching out to a health care professional with any concerns is an essential first step. Performing breast examinations on yourself may be as simple as feeling for new lumps or swelling. Also important to note is lumps may arise in women’s breasts for a number of reasons and do not automatically mean breast cancer is present.

A person with a history of breast cancer within the family is considered to be more at risk and should be more aware of signs to look for. The United States Preventive Task Force or USPTF recommends that women above the age of 50 receive a mammogram every two years. Women considered more at risk may begin receiving mammograms before the age of 50. Having regular mammograms can help lower the risk of dying from breast cancer, as it is one of the easiest ways to detect the early stages of breast cancer. Some additional ways to lower the risk of breast cancer can be as simple as insuring you are physically active and live a generally healthy lifestyle. Breast cancer does not affect only those over the age of 50, and women of all ages should regularly screen themselves. Talking to your doctor about any questions or concerns can help ease anxiety about the topic.

For me, the topic of breast cancer hits close to home, as my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer almost two years ago. The initial shock of the diagnosis was soon followed by fear of the unknown about what was to come. Treatment of breast cancer looks different for everyone, and for her it looked like surgery followed by intense chemotherapy and radiation. Her surgery was scheduled for just over a month after her diagnosis, and her treatments began soon after. I consider myself extremely lucky to have her with me today. To my Grandma Maureen: You are the strongest and bravest women I have ever come across, and you inspire me each and every day.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, the Susan G. Komen helpline provides information about breast health along with local and national resources.

Tori Sarver is an intern for KC Parent. She is studying strategic communications with a business minor at CU Boulder.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.