Breast Cancer Awareness Going Pink In October

Breast Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for American women. This year, an estimated 180,000 Americans will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

Early detection allows early intervention and is the best way to increase the chance for survival. Mammograms and other screening services can help doctors diagnose cancer before it has a chance to spread. Early detection makes treatment more effective, it gives hope to patients, and it saves lives.

No one knows why some women get breast cancer, but there are a number of risk factors, such as age, genes and family history that are risks unfortunately you can't change. Other risks include being overweight, using hormone replacement therapy, taking birth control pills, drinking alcohol or having dense breasts.

According to Dr. Antonio Nelson, M.D., “Symptoms of Breast Cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple.” ”Breast self-exam, mammography screening, and the use of ultrasound, can be beneficial and help find breast cancer early,” said Dr. Nelson. Regular check-ups , and knowing your family history, may also help in early detection, prevention and treatment.

Treatment may consist of radiation, lumpectomy, mastectomy , chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Men can have Breast Cancer, too, but the number of cases detected is small. For more information go to www.Cancer.org; or ask your primary physician for local resources available.