Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Early detection brings greatest chance of survival

October has arrived. It is the season for football, harvest, hunting and of course breast cancer awareness. For those of us whose lives have been touched by cancer, it takes on a whole new meaning.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. In the United States, there will be over 300,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in 2024. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Of the women diagnosed with breast cancer, only 10-15% have a family history of breast cancer. This is why screening for breast cancer becomes so important. 

Early detection brings the greatest chance of survival. 

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer include: breast lump or mass; changes in how the breast or nipple looks or feels; changes in skin color or tone; changes in the size, shape or appearance of the breast; changes in the skin, dimpling of skin, like the skin of an orange, (Peau d’orange); pain and peeling, scaling, crusting, flaking or sores that do not heal. 

Early detection measures include monthly self-breast exam, clinical breast exam done by a medical professional, and mammograms.

Mammograms aid in early detection. Mammograms should be done every one to two years between ages 40-50, and yearly after age 50 until at least age 75 or longer based on current health status. 

When breast cancer is detected early, the survival rates at 5 years are: 

Stage 1 - 99% survival rate 

Stage 2 -90% survival rate

Stage 3 -70% survival rate

Stage 4 -25% survival rate

Overall, cancer survival rates are increasing. Early detection and development of new medications, and novel treatments are contributing factors.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a great month to get your mammograms. 

It is also the perfect time to prioritize your health and catch up on any other screening test that are recommended. Please visit with your health care provider to see what tests are appropriate for you.