October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States? Did you know that breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States?

Before diving into what breast cancer is, it is important to discuss the anatomy of breasts. The breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk, while the ducts are tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue, which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue, surrounds and holds everything together.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. There are different types of breast cancer, depending on which cells in the breast become cancerous. Although breast cancer can start in various parts of the breast, most cases begin in the lobules or ducts. Breast cancer can spread outside of the breast to other parts of the body through blood vessels or lymphatic vessels, a process commonly referred to as metastasis. While most breast cancers affect women, they can also occur in men, although this is rare.

Screening and self-exams can help find breast cancer early and save your life. You should complete breast self-exams monthly. They can help you become familiar with how your breasts feel and look so you can notify your healthcare provider of any changes. You can perform self-exams in the shower, in front of a mirror, or while lying down.

Remember if you do find a lump, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. A mammogram is an x-ray that is used to check for breast cancer in individuals with or without symptoms. It allows breast tissue to be examined through imaging. It is recommended that:

-Women 40 and older have a mammogram every 1 or 2 years.

-Women younger than 40 with known risk factors for breast cancer should discuss mammograms with their healthcare provider.

The CDC offers free or low-cost mammograms to eligible women across the United States. You may be eligible if: (1)you have no insurance, or your insurance does not cover screening exams, (2) Your yearly income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, or (3) you are age 40 to 64 for breast cancer screening or 21 to 64 for cervical cancer screening.

For the full list of states and to find out if you quality, visit the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

References and Resources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Breast Cancer Basics. https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/about/index.html
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Breast Cancer Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/statistics/index.html
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Breast Cancer Resources to Share. https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/resources/index.html