Breast Cancer Awareness
Contributed by ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL

"No woman wants to discover that she has breast cancer, but if the disease does occur, finding it as early as possible can save her life," says Lisa Ashman, Delmarva American Cancer Society (ACS) Community Specialist. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a great opportunity to help yourself and the ones you love reduce the risk of developing this deadly disease. Among American women, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer, second only to skin cancer. About 183,000 American women will develop breast cancer this year and about 41,000 American women will die because of breast cancer.

Many women know at least someone, maybe a sister, friend or colleague, who has developed breast cancer. It can be a scary and mysterious illness for both the patient and their families and unfortunately, there are many of us who remain in the dark about what breast cancer is and what we can do about it. The American Cancer Society, Women Supporting Women, The Wellness Community Delmarva and various other community agencies are dedicated to shedding light on the preventative and therapeutic options that women have for fighting breast cancer. To decrease your odds of getting cancer, the American Cancer Society suggests that you pass up the smokes and alcohol, eat 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables daily, maintain a healthy weight, do aerobic exercise 30 minutes or more regularly, and protect your skin from the sun.

Beginning at age 20, women should see their doctor for a clinical breast exam every three years. We recommend that women become familiar with the consistency of their breasts so that they can detect any changes early. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, discuss mammography-screening guidelines with your primary care provider. Women over 40 are at a higher risk for developing cancer and should have a clinical breast exam and mammogram every year. With advances in technology, mammograms are proven safe, painless and take only 15 to 20 minutes.

Early detection of breast cancer can mean the difference between life and death. Early signs to watch for include, dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breast, unusual lumps or swelling, redness, soreness or discharge from the nipple. See your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. For help finding a place to get a mammogram, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. If you do not have a Primary Care Provider or limited Medical Insurance, please contact the WCHD Prevention Center at 410 632 0056. For more information please call Leila McCann RN Community Education Coordinator at ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL 410 641 9268.

ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL offers a complete service in mammography with attentive and gentle technicians who will guide you through the procedure painlessly. Physicians Provider Referral Service 410-641-1100