October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and International Slow Pitch Softball (ISPS) wants to remind everyone that early detection is the key to surviving this terrible disease.  

According to the American Cancer Society, the chance of a woman having breast cancer some time during her life is about one in eight. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about one in 36.  Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S., other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.  Breast cancer can also affect men, although it is relatively rare: less than one percent of breast cancer cases occur in men.

According to Texas Health Care member physician Joseph Heyne, MD, a breast surgeon, "As the most common female malignancy, breast cancer has little respect for age, race or socioeconomic status. My goal is to give women and men the upper hand in fighting this disease."

Regular mammograms are a key part of preventing breast cancer fatalities.  According to the Center for Disease Control, when detected early, the cancer is usually still confined to the breast and hasn't yet spread to the rest of the body.  Every woman age 40 and over should have a mammogram every two years.   "Regular screening is incredibly important in the fight against breast cancer.  Early detection can be the difference between life and death," says THC oncology surgeon Anita Chow, MD. 

 

In addition to regular screenings, risk of breast cancer can be reduced by controlling risk factors. Body weight, physical activity and diet have all been linked to breast cancer.  Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy calorie intake and limiting use of alcohol can help reduce chances of developing breast cancer.  

A great resource is the Baylor All Saints Medical Center Andrews Women's Hospital, which provides comprehensive health care services for women, including breast screenings and imaging.  THC physicians helped found Andrews and today, 25 THC member physicians practice there.

No matter where you go and who you see, it's just important to be checked out.  So this October, mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month by scheduling a screening or encouraging a loved one to do so.  

Source: http://www.txhealthcare.com/breast%20cancer%20awareness