It’s Breast Cancer.
These three words are what every woman dreads to hear. Why? Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, with 1 in 8 women in the United States being diagnosed with breast cancer. At Direct Primary Care of Boca Raton, we want to help our patients stay on the offense when it comes to breast cancer by offering well-woman exams, testing, and referrals.
Living in a highly populated area like South Florida, it would be hard to find a South Floridian who has not known of at least one person who has been affected by breast cancer. Over a quarter of a million women and some men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. Unfortunately, of those diagnosed, over 42,000 people will die from this horrendous disease.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
It’s important to be aware of some of the symptoms of breast cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control, you should be on the lookout for the following:
- New lump in the breast or in the armpit.
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
- Any abnormal change in the size or shape of the breast.
Survival Rates of Breast Cancer
When breast cancer is caught early in its development, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. As with all cancers, there are stages to determine the progression of cancer. The higher the stage, the lower the survival rate is. However, with advancements in early detection and treatment methods, there has been a significant increase in breast cancer survival rates. As of this year, there are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
How to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month
A good way to bring awareness to this month is to:
- Honor those you know who have passed away or survived breast cancer. Write them or their family member a note letting them know you remember/honor them.
- Participate in community events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- Wear pink or decorate your home or office for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The last and best way we at DPC of Boca suggest raising awareness for Breast Cancer Month is to get screened. We offer a well-woman check and provide referrals for mammograms and other cancer screening. Life is fragile, and your health deserves priority.
Don’t wait. Make your breast cancer screening appointment today!
Sources:
Breast Cancer Facts & Stats [Internet] National Breast Cancer Foundation [August 1, 2024] Available from: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts/
Key Statistics for Breast Cancer [Internet] American Cancer Society [Last Revised: January 17, 2024] Available from: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts/
Breast Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis [Internet] American Cancer Society [Last Revised: January 14, 2022] Available from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection.html