No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2024 is "No one should face breast cancer alone". This theme emphasizes the importance of community and collective action in the fight against breast cancer. It also highlights the need for patient-centered care, including medical, emotional, psychological, and social support.
Incidence of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally with around 2.3 million new cases every year. It represents one in eight cancer cases in both sexes and a quarter of all cancers in women.
Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Early detection of breast cancer is important because it can lead to more successful treatment and a better prognosis.
Some ways to detect breast cancer early include:
Mammograms: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect cancer before it's big enough to feel or cause symptoms. The American College of Radiology and the American Society of Breast Surgeons recommend that women at average risk get annual mammograms starting at age 40. Women at higher risk should get screened earlier. For many women, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.
Breast self-exams: Women should perform a breast self-exam (BSE) at home once a month.
Clinical breast exams: A healthcare professional performs a clinical breast exam (CBE) to look for abnormalities and warning signs.
Other tests that can be used to detect breast cancer include breast ultrasounds and breast MRIs.
Encourage your loved ones to obtain their yearly mammograms. If you know someone fighting breast cancer, do not let them fight alone. If you have lost someone to breast cancer, honor their memory by raising breast cancer awareness.
Carmel Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons recognizes all of our wonderful breast cancer patients and their families. We want to let them know we stand with them in their fight against breast cancer. We encourage you to wear a pink breast cancer ribbon during October to honor survivors and raise breast cancer awareness.