Each
October community and health service organizations conduct outreach and
education activities as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is
the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. One out of
eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer. This October, the Calaveras
County Public Health Department is promoting breast cancer early detection and
risk reduction.
“Early
detection and treatment of breast cancer allows most women to live long and
healthy lives,” said Dr. Dean Kelaita, Calaveras County Health Officer. The
Public Health Department provided these key messages to women:
1. Know your risks for breast cancer – Know your family
history and talk to your doctor about your personal risk for breast cancer.
2. Get screened – Ask your doctor how often you should
have mammograms.
3. Know what is normal for you – See your doctor if you
notice breast changes such as:
-
Lump, hard knot
or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
-
Swelling, warmth,
redness or darkening
-
Change in size or
shape of breast
-
Dimpling or
puckering of skin
-
Itchy, scaly rash
or sore on nipple
-
Pulling in of any
part of the breast
-
Discharge that
starts suddenly
-
New pain in one
spot that doesn’t go away
4. Make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce your risk:
-
Stay at a healthy
weight
-
Add physical
activity to your daily routine
-
Limit alcohol
-
Limit
postmenopausal hormone use
-
Breastfeed your
baby
“The
best way to find breast cancer early is with a screening mammogram. If you are
a woman age 50 or older, check with your doctor about when you should be
screened,” Dr. Kelaita advised.
The
Calaveras County Public Health Department is providing local agencies with
educational materials about breast cancer risk reduction and early detection.
Copies are available by calling 754-6460.
