Health is Wealth: October Breast Cancer Awareness
- Wendy Walker-Pinnock
- Oct 27, 2024
- 2 min read
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a time dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of breast health and the value of early detection. Regular mammograms and self-breast exams can play a crucial role in detecting breast cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
Types of Prevention in Breast Cancer Awareness
• Primary Prevention: This involves taking measures to prevent the onset of a disease before it occurs. In breast cancer, this includes lifestyle changes, genetic counseling for those at high risk.
• Secondary Prevention: This focuses on detecting and treating the disease in its early stages. Regular mammograms and self-breast exams fall under this category, as they help detect breast cancer early, even before symptoms appear.
• Tertiary Prevention: This stage aims to reduce the impact of the disease after it has been diagnosed, through treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and rehabilitation.
Breast Cancer Statistics and Screening Impact
• Early detection through mammograms can significantly reduce breast cancer mortality rates. Studies show that women who have regular mammograms have a 25-30% lower risk of dying from breast cancer compared to those who do not undergo screening.
• According to the American Cancer Society, early-stage breast cancer has a 5-year survival rate of nearly 99%, while the rate drops significantly for more advanced stages.
The Importance of Mammograms and Self-Breast Exams
Mammogram screenings are considered a form of primary prevention. Their main goal is to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages before symptoms develop, which can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. In addition to mammograms, self-breast exams can help individuals become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts, making it easier to notice any unusual changes.
Learning More About Mammograms and Self-Breast Exams
For more information on how to perform a self-breast exam and to understand what to expect during a mammogram, check out these helpful resources:
Mammogram Video Guide
Learn what happens during a mammogram, including preparation and the procedure itself.
How to Perform a Self-Breast Exam
Step-by-step instructions for conducting a self-breast exam to help you become familiar with what is normal for your breasts.
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