October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

​This October marks the 27th anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!  The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Organization creates a partnership between government agencies, medical associations, and public service organizations. They come together to promote awareness, fight the disease,  share information, and provide access to screening services. This group has been dedicated over the past quarter century to educating and empowering women to take control of their breast health.  By banning together, this organization hopes that all women will have the instruction and drive to do self breast exams, have regular mammograms, and learn about treatment and recurrence.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States this year. Approximately 40,000 women will die each year from this terrible disease.  Second only to lung cancer, breast cancer has the highest death rate in women.  However, breast cancer is beatable. There are over 2.6 million breast cancer survivors, all with unique prognosis and survival stories.

Breast cancer, like all cancers, is best if caught early. There are numerous signs that can alert you to seek further medical consult. Here are a few things you should look for: New lump/thickening of breast, change in breast size or shape, dimpling of skin, swelling or redness that does not go away, pulling in of the nipple, or an itchy/sore nipple. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, regardless of age, you should immediately see a doctor. Cancer does not see age, race, or sex. Even men can get breast cancer.  

We all know someone who has been affected by this terrible disease. Lets ban together and help create a cure. Bring awareness to the loved ones around you, and know that you can make a difference!