Early detection is key. We’ve all heard this over and over regarding cancer, but in particular breast cancer.
The theme for this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month is RISE – Rally In Screening Everyone. “This year we RISE to ensure every woman has access to the screenings she needs and the support she deserves.”
In 2022, an estimated 287,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 51,400 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer.
65% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage (there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside of the breast), for which the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.
This year, an estimated 43,550 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.
Although rare, men get breast cancer too. In 2022, an estimated 2,710 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. and approximately 530 men will die from breast cancer.
1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2022, approximately 30% of all new women’s cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.
There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.
These statistics are why it is so important to have access to screenings and to make sure you are getting screened per you doctors’ recommendations.
Here is some information from the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) about how to go about scheduling and getting a mammogram:
Overcoming Barriers to Scheduling Your Mammogram
Many women encounter barriers when trying to schedule a mammogram. Often, things like concerns with cost or not knowing who to call can be discouraging when setting up an appointment. This article provides the essential information you need so that you do not miss out on this important exam.
What You Need to Know
Before being able to schedule a mammogram, you might need a referral from a doctor if you are under the age of 40, have already received your annual screening mammogram for the year, have an abnormal breast symptom, or have had breast cancer in the past. If you are 40 years or older and simply seeking a screening mammogram without any of the exceptions mentioned, it’s unlikely you will be asked for a doctor’s referral.
What Type of Mammogram to Schedule
Screening mammogram: If you don’t have any symptoms or pain, and just need your yearly mammogram.
Diagnostic mammogram: If you have continuous and persistent pain, redness, a lump, discharge, or other concerns that need to be evaluated. Diagnostic mammograms are also done after irregular findings in a routine screening mammogram.
Why is it Important to Know the Difference?
Screening and diagnostic mammograms differ in cost and in specialty. If you are paying for your service out of pocket or if your health insurance does not cover your diagnostic mammogram, you’ll want to know ahead of time to be prepared.
While mammograms are an important part of early detection, your earliest defense may be yourself. I think that we can all agree that no one knows our bodies better than we do. This means we are often the first to notice when something isn’t right or the same that it was before — this is where self-exams come in and why they are so critical in the early detection of breast cancer. Now before I go further, here’s your warning; I’m going to be talking about ta-tas. Specifically, how to do self-breast exams. If, for some reason, that makes you uncomfortable, just keep moving on. Because you know what makes me and millions of people across the world uncomfortable? Breast cancer. And we all know that the first line of defense against breast cancer is early detection. And self-exams are the first line in that first line of defense.
Before we get to the details on doing the self-exam, let’s go over a few things. First, ladies, we should be performing self-exams monthly. So, pick a day and stick to it. Maybe it’s the first or last day of the month, or perhaps your favorite number; just try to stay consistent. Also, remember that while these exams are important, they should never replace regular screenings with your doctor.
On to the details!
What are the steps of a breast self-exam?
1. Visual inspection: With your shirt and bra removed, stand in front of a mirror. Put your arms down by your sides. Look for any changes in breast shape, breast swelling, dimpling in the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, raise your arms high overhead and look for the same things. Finally, put your hands on your hips and press firmly to make your chest muscles flex. Look for the same changes again. Be sure to look at both breasts.
2. Manual inspection while standing up: With your shirt and bra removed, use your right hand to examine your left breast, then vice versa. With the pads of your three middle fingers, press on every part of one breast. Use light pressure, then medium, then firm. Feel for any lumps, thick spots, or other changes. A circular pattern may help you make sure you hit every spot. Then, press the tissue under the arm. Be sure to check under the areola and then squeeze the nipple gently to check for discharge. Repeat the steps on the other side of your body.
3. Manual inspection while lying down: When you lie down, your breast tissue spreads more evenly. This is a good position to feel for changes, especially if your breasts are large. Lie down and put a pillow under your right shoulder. Place your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, apply the same technique as step 2, using the pads of your fingers to press all parts of the breast tissue and under your arm. Finally, swap the pillow to the other side, and check the other breast and armpit. Be sure to check under the areola and then squeeze the nipple gently to check for discharge.
Results and Follow-Up
When should I call my doctor about something I find in my breast self-exam?
If you find a lump or any other worrisome changes, stay calm. Most self-exam findings are not signs of breast cancer. But you should still call your healthcare provider if you notice any:
– Change in the look, feel, or size of the breast.
– Change in the look or feel of the nipple.
– Dimpling or puckering of the skin.
– Lump, hard knot, or thick spot in the breast tissue.
– Nipple discharge.
– Nipple or other area pulling inward.
– Pain in one spot that won’t go away.
– Rash on the nipple.
– Swelling of one or both breasts.
– Warmth, redness, or dark spots on the skin.
There you have it. Once again, a self-exam should never replace your regular screenings with your doctor. If you have a 4 or higher at the front of your age, remember that you should be getting yearly mammograms or whatever your PCP recommends.
I also want to note that UPMC is offering $55 Mammograms this month, on several dates, and at several locations.
$55 Mammograms
What: UPMC is offering $55 mammograms for those with no or limited insurance coverage in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Appointments are limited, and it is necessary to call the phone number of the location that is most convenient to you. Be sure to mention $55 mammograms when scheduling your appointment. Mammograms must be paid by cash or check.
When & Where: UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence Campus, Breast Health Center, 1100 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport on Oct. 15, 8 a.m. to noon. Call 570-326-8200.
UPMC Muncy, 215 E. Water St., on Oct. 8 and Oct. 29, from 8 a.m. to noon. Call 570-321-2545.
UPMC Wellsboro, 32 Central Ave., on Oct. 13, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 570-723-0160.
Also, over the next month it will be a veritable ‘Pink Out’ wherever you go. Please be cautious on what you buy and where you donate. Not everyone is giving the money where they say, and not all BC charities are created equal. Do your due diligence.
