Breast cancer - Be aware!

  • Published
  • By Dr. (Maj.) Adam Braithwaite
  • 60th Medical Operations Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Breast cancer is a big deal. One out of every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lives. Around 250,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the United States. In fact, chances are you already know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. The good news is, that if detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 95 percent. In other words, if we catch cancer early enough, it can be cured!

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast tissue grow out of control. Symptoms are not always present, but can include a lump in the breast or underarm, irritation or dimpling of the breast skin, nipple changes, nipple discharge other than breast milk, a change in the size or shape of a breast, and focal pain in the nipple or breast. Women -- and men -- with any of these signs should seek medical care as soon as possible.

There are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. These include older age, never giving birth or advanced age at the birth of your first child, never breastfeeding, younger age at start of menstrual cycle and older age at start of menopause. A personal or family history of breast cancer (mother, sister or daughter), being overweight, long-term use of hormone replacement therapy and drinking more than one alcoholic drink per day are other risk factors.

Having any of these risk factors does not mean that you will develop breast cancer. However, it is important to discuss any risk factors you have with your health care provider and discuss ways to lower your risk.

The seriousness of invasive breast cancer is strongly influenced by the extent or spread of the cancer when it is first diagnosed. Breast cancer screening is important since cancer can be identified before any signs or symptoms appear.

Treatment for breast cancer is more successful when the disease is found in the early stage. There are three main tests used to screen for breast cancer: mammogram, clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider and self-breast exam.

Mammograms are the standard early detection method, finding cancer before it can be felt as a lump or has invaded the body. If you choose to have clinical breast exams or to perform breast self-exams, be sure you also get regular mammograms. It is recommended that every woman have screening mammograms every year, beginning at age 40.

However, about 47 percent of women aged 40 to 49 report not having a mammogram performed in the last two years. We can do much better than that at David Grant USAF Medical Center.

If you have a new breast lump or breast changes, breast implants, history of breast cancer, or any breast surgery or procedures since your last mammogram, or if you are currently pregnant or nursing, we can assist you by scheduling a provider appointment prior to your mammogram appointment.

DGMC currently offers multiple services for breast cancer screening. A clinical breast exam is accomplished as part of a well-women exam, either with your primary care manager or at DGMC's Women's Health Clinic. Your provider can place a computerized referral for you to have your mammogram performed in DGMC's Radiology department.

DGMC also offers a self-request mammogram program. All TRICARE Prime or Plus-enrolled women age 40 years and older empanelled to DGMC are eligible for this program.

This year, we are pleased to offer additional appointments on Oct. 18 and Oct. 25 for those who might not otherwise be able to come in for a mammogram screening during our normal Monday through Friday business hours. If it has been at least one year since your previous mammogram, contact DGMC's Women's Imaging Center at 423-7275 to schedule your next mammogram.