Breast Cancer Awareness

October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, is almost over. I have not had breast cancer but I have had two mammograms that required more follow up. My first follow up resulted in me having surgery to have the milk duct removed from my right breast due to a large tumor that was benign. The second one resulted in me having a stereotactic biopsy, and it was found that I had Fibrocystic breasts or "lumpy breast". Fibrocystic breasts are characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort in one or both breasts. The condition is very common and benign, meaning that fibrocystic breasts are not malignant (cancerous). Fibrocystic breast disease (FBD), now referred to as fibrocystic changes or fibrocystic breast condition, is the most common cause of "lumpy breasts" in women and affects more than 60% of women. The condition primarily affects women between the ages of 30 and 50 and tends to become less of a problem after menpause. Remember early detection is important.

Early Detection:

One of the earliest signs of breast cancer can be an abnormality that shows up on a mammogram before it can be felt. The most common signs of breast cancer are a lump in the breast; abnormal thickening of the breast; or a change in the shape or color of the breast. Finding a lump or change in your breast does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Additional changes that may also be signs of breast cancer include:

Any new, hard lump or thickening in any part of the breast
Change in breast size or shape
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Swelling, redness or warmth that does not go away
Pain in one spot that does not vary with your monthly cycle
Pulling in of the nipple
Nipple discharge that starts suddenly and appears only in one breast
An itchy, sore or scaling area on one nipple

According to the National Cancer Institute:
Nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

Over 30% of women are diagnosed after breast cancer has spread beyond the localized stage.

When breast cancer is detected early (localized stage), the 5-year survival rate is 98%.

During October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the news is filled with reminders of early detection. Why is this so important? Because every one of us is touched by breast cancer in some way whether it be a family member, friend, or acquaintance. I hope all of you who have not already had a mammogram this year have made plans to have one soon.

Thank you for stopping by.