October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month since its inception by the American Cancer Society in 1985. Pink campaigns made popular by organizations such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Susan G. Komen Foundation have promoted mammograms and awareness of this form of cancer.
Brooke Kelzer, BSN, RN with UIS Health Services reminds students that “breast exams for students are free yearly and a nurse practitioner shows students how to perform self-breast exams which should be done monthly.”
Mammograms are a vital early detection tool. Not all lumps are cancer. If a lump is discovered, it should be evaluated by a medical professional.
In 2024, it is anticipated that over 360 thousand people will be diagnosed with breast cancer. When breast cancer is caught in early localized stages the chances of survival are greatly increased.
Routine testing is only one way to fight breast cancer, there are also preventative steps that can be taken. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercising, eating healthy, reducing alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking are important steps in reducing the risk of breast cancer.
Women are not the only ones impacted. Men make up nearly 28 hundred cases per year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in young adults.
There are also systemic issues that contribute to who is most likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. The death rate for black women is 40 percent higher than for white women. Those in lower-income households are also less likely to have access to adequate healthcare.
Spreading awareness of this condition is also incredibly important. The World Health Organization encourages people to raise awareness by promoting advocacy and behavioral change, encouraging companies and health service providers to exchange information and collaborate on addressing the cause, implementing initiatives.
Those with financial ability can contribute to breast cancer charities. On Oct. 5 the Susan G. Komen Walkoccurred at the Illinois State Capitol. This event and others take place at sites across the nation in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Springfield event raised over 17 thousand dollars for the cause.
For additional information contact your medical provider or the UIS Health Services office.
