October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Published Oct. 16, 2012 By Florence Cruz 66th Medical Squadron HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- According to the American Cancer Society, other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is a little less than one in eight and the chance of dying from breast cancer is about one in 35. Breast cancer death rates have been on the decline, a likely result of early detection and better treatments, and right now there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast tissue grow out of control. Symptoms may or may not be present and can include the following: lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling in part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of the breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple or breast area, pulling in of the nipple, nipple discharge other than breast milk, a change in the size or shape of a breast and pain in the nipple or breast. Although these symptoms can occur with conditions that are not cancer, women with any of these signs that persist should seek medical care as soon as possible. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. These include older age, never giving birth, or being older at the birth of their first child, never breastfeeding, younger age at start of menstrual cycle or older age at start of menopause, personal or family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter), being overweight or not getting regular exercise, long-term use of hormone replacement therapy and drinking more than one alcoholic drink per day. Having any of these risk factors does not mean that someone will develop breast cancer. However, it is important for patients to discuss any risk factors with their providers and discuss ways to lower their risk. Breast cancer screening is important since cancer can be identified before any signs or symptoms appear. Treatment for breast cancer is more likely to work well when the disease is found in the early stage. The three tests that may be used to screen for breast cancer are mammogram, clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider and self breast exam. A mammogram is a radiographic image of the breast and is recommended every one to two years for women 40 years and older. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, it is the best method to detect breast cancer early and has been found to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. A clinical breast exam is often accomplished as part of a well-women exam, at which time a patient's health care provider may recommend a mammogram at a network facility. The 66th Medical Squadron does not have mammogram capability. If a patient is enrolled in TRICARE Prime, age 40 or older and it has been at least one year since their last mammogram, they can self-refer for a mammogram at one of the following network facilities: Lahey 781-744-8000 (locations in Burlington, Peabody or Lexington); Beth Israel 781-672-2010 (Lexington) or Emerson 978-287-8107 (Concord or Westford). Patients should schedule a provider appointment prior to their mammogram appointment if they have any of the following: New breast lump or breast changes, breast implants, history of breast cancer or any breast surgery or procedures since their last mammogram. For assistance with mammogram referrals or questions on breast cancer awareness, contact Florence Cruz, 66th Medical Squadron Women's Health Coordinator and Patient Educator at 781-225-6183.