Breast cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges for women worldwide, but awareness is a powerful tool in the fight against it. Each year, October brings a surge of pink ribbons and educational campaigns, reminding us of the importance of early detection, ongoing research and compassionate support for those affected.
Detecting Breast Cancer Early
Early detection saves lives, and it begins with regular screenings! The National Breast Cancer Foundation has determined that when breast cancer is found in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States who have gotten tested, diagnosed and have fought the intense battle against cancer. The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force now recommends all women get screened for breast cancer every other year starting at the age of 40 instead of the previously recommended age of 50. This change aims to detect breast cancer earlier, saving more lives and improving outcomes. The American College of Radiology (ACR) recommends that high-risk women, including Black and Ashkenazi Jewish women, undergo a risk assessment by age 25 to determine if earlier screening is needed. High-risk women may need more intensive screening, including MRI surveillance, mammograms or breast ultrasounds, starting at ages 25 to 30.
New Screening Recommendations
If you fit into the new recommended age of 40 and haven’t already, schedule your breast cancer screening today by logging into your GHCMyChartSM account. All mammograms take place at our Hatchery Hill Clinic in Fitchburg, Wisconsin where two new imaging machines have recently been installed. If you receive your care at a clinic outside of GHC-SCW, your GHCMyChartSM account will prompt you to call to schedule your appointment.
Along with getting tested by a professional, the National Breast Cancer Foundation encourages women of all ages to do monthly breast self-exams and to be aware of their bodies to detect any abnormalities. In these self-exams, look for bumps, abnormal skin color and texture and note any sore spots.
Breast Cancer in Men
Breast cancer begins as a growth of either malignant or cancerous cells in breast tissue. This tissue is found in everyone, male and female. While it is most common for women, men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer, with 1 in every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. being found in a man. Men can get tested if they feel a lump or see changes to the color or thickness of skin on their chest.
Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week is marked every October 17-23. For more information about male breast cancer, including statistics, symptoms and stories from men who have survived breast cancer, please visit this page on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.
How GHC-SCW is Promoting Awareness
GHC-SCW is dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness and early detection this month and every month. On October 18-20, GHC-SCW will be wearing pink and asking members to join us to spread awareness and show our support for those diagnosed with breast cancer. During the month of October, share a selfie wearing pink on social media and tag GHC-SCW and include #GHCWearsPink for the chance to win a pink Lands’ End tote bag full of goodies!
The recent guidelines and recommendations for breast cancer screenings have been updated, and we’ve made it easy to make an appointment to receive this potentially life-changing checkup. If you are eligible for a screening and receive care at a GHC-SCW primary care clinic, follow the simple steps below:
Step 1: Log into your GHCMyChartSM account
Step 2: Select “Schedule an Appointment”
Step 3: Select “Mammogram Screening”
Step 4: Answer a few questions and select the time that works best for you
For More Information and Resources:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Know the Signs
In addition to mammograms, self-examinations can also be helpful in detecting breast cancer early. Check out our blog that discusses how you can self-check yourself for signs of breast cancer and information about the process of getting a mammogram.
