Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is breast cancer awareness month, so there’s no better time to educate yourself about the risks and challenges the disease can pose. Like most cancers, breast cancer is a disease of aging, making it of particular interest to adults entering their twilight years. The median age of a breast cancer diagnosis is 62 years old, with 20 percent of women who are diagnosed with it age 75 or older.
When detected early, breast cancer can be successfully treated 98% of the time. And researchers are constantly making strides in treatment and detection options. For example, the mastectomy, once a standard procedure for women with the disease, is now only rarely performed.
Like all cancers, breast cancer begins with abnormal cell growth. These “bad” cells develop quickly and spread, or metastasize, often entering lymph nodes under the arms or spreading through the rest of the body. These abnormal cells can bring about a number of physical changes to the breast and the body that should be watched out for.
Signs indicating a possible affliction of breast cancer include
- Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
- Retraction of nipple tissue or a change in the appearance
- Change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
- Redness or pitting of the skin
- The most common and well-known sign is feeling a lump in breast tissue
The importance of regular screening cannot be overstated. From having regular mammograms and checkups with your physician, to performing a self-examination for abnormalities in the shower, being aware of the warning signs can be a lifesaver.