October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Maj. Joanne Ruggeri
  • 49th Medical Group health care integrator
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, aside from skin cancer. Mammography screenings are a women's best chance for early breast cancer detection.

To find breast cancer early, the National Cancer Institute recommends that women in their forties and older should have mammograms every one to two years; many organizations encourage yearly mammograms. If there are risk factors for breast cancer, screenings should begin earlier. Clinical breast exams by a health care provider should also be done on a regular basis, as well as performing monthly self -exams and reporting any breast changes.

Mammography is an x-ray picture of the breast; women who still have menstrual cycles should schedule a mammogram one week after menstrual cycle, as the breast will be less tender for the exam. Women should avoid using deodorant and lotions on the day of the mammogram. A specially trained technologist will perform the mammogram and take various views of the breasts. Two flat services will compress the breast for a few seconds. Compression is necessary to produce the best picture while using the lowest amount of radiation possible. Often analgesics such as Motrin or Tylenol will relief discomfort that some women experience with mammography.

Women should be aware of the most common risk factors in developing breast cancer.

As one ages, the risk of breast cancer increases, the risk becomes especially higher for women age 60 or older. Any personal history of breast cancer or breast disease may predispose women to develop breast cancer again. The risk also increases if there is a family history of breast cancer for a woman whose mother, sister, daughter, or two or more close relatives have had the disease. Some individuals may be born with an altered genetic gene that is recognized for regulating breast cell growth, which becomes an "inherited" risk for developing breast cancer.

Some other risks involve factors related to estrogen regulation with early menstruation, having no children, first pregnancy after the age of 35, and use of hormone replacement therapy. However, there are life style choices that can be modified to reduce risks for breast cancer. These are choosing a balanced diet, high in fiber and low in saturated fats, getting plenty of exercise, no tobacco use, and discretion with alcohol use.

Scheduling a mammogram is easy, no authorization is needed; just call your Primary Care Manage at 572-2778. Select option one and elect to "leave a message" requesting a mammogram. For further information on Breast Cancer Awareness, contact the National Cancer Institute at (800)-4-CANCER. There are also free articles and brochures available at the 49th Medical Group pharmacy lobby.