October: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Published Oct. 10, 2007 By Lt. Col. Sonia Kuch 60th Medical Group TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- For more than 20 years, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month has helped focus national attention on breast cancer and the importance of early detection and treatment. This year in America, more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The good news is that today, if detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 95 percent. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million American women age 40 or older have never had a mammogram. Please do not be part of this statistic! Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells - specifically in the breast tissue - grow out of control. Symptoms may or may not be present and can include a lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling in a part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of the breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple or breast area. Pulling in of the nipple, nipple discharge other than breast milk, a change in the size or shape of a breast and pain in the nipple or breast are other potential symptoms. Although these symptoms can occur with conditions that are not cancerous, women - and men - with any of these signs should seek medical care as soon as possible. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer ranks second only to certain skin cancers as the most common cancer in women. Currently, breast cancer accounts for approximately one of every three new cancers diagnosed. Men are at a lower risk of developing breast cancer, but they should still be aware of the risk factors and symptoms. "Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer," explained Maj. (Dr.) Robert Jesinger, 60th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron radiologist. "These include older age, never giving birth or being older at the birth of your first child, never breastfeeding, younger age at start of menstrual cycle or older age at start of menopause." According to Dr. Jesinger, a personal or family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter), being overweight and/or not getting regular exercise, 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," said Dr. Jesinger. "However, it is important to discuss any risk factors you have with your health care provider and discuss ways to lower your risk." Breast cancer screening is important since cancer can be identified before any signs or symptoms appear. Treatment for breast cancer is more likely to work well when the disease is found in the early stage. There are three main tests used to screen for breast cancer: a mammogram, a clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider and a self breast exam. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is recommended every 1 to 2 years for women 40 years and older. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, it is the best method to detect breast cancer early and has been found to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. If you have a new breast lump or breast changes, presence of breast implants, history of breast cancer, any breast surgery or procedures since your last mammogram, or if you are currently pregnant or nursing, you will be assisted to schedule a provider appointment prior to your mammogram appointment. David Grant USAF Medical Center currently offers multiple services for breast cancer screening. A clinical breast exam is accomplished as part of a well-woman exam either with your primary care manager or at DGMC's Women's Health Clinic. If it has been at least one year since your previous mammogram, contact DGMC's Radiology department directly at 423-7275 to schedule your mammogram.