Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is nationally highlighted as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There are walks, brunches, fundraisers and a host of other events that take place throughout the month of October in efforts to bring awareness to the fight against breast cancer. Kaweah Delta Breast Center joins in the efforts each year with their Annual Pink Tea Party honoring those who have been affected by breast cancer. It’s a time when support is also given to those who have survived the disease. According to the Center of Disease Control breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in the United States. An estimated 231,840 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis just this year. The growing number of new cases and deaths from breast cancer puts a greater need for women to know early detection and prevention methods. What is breast cancer? Many women are unaware of what breast cancer is in regards to how the disease develops. Breast cancer develops when cells in the breast have begun to divide and grow at an abnormal rate. The cells grow together forming a lump, also known as a tumor. The lump is often the first suspected sign of cancer. Tumors in the breast tend to grow slowly it can be almost 10 years before a lump has formed …show more content…
A breast MRI is also recommend for those women who are at higher risk to develop breast cancer based on genetics, race and ethnicity, and personal history. The simple risk of developing breast cancer is just being a woman. According to the National Cancer Institute 1 in 8 women are at risk to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Women should conduct a monthly at home breast self-exam if they haven’t reached the age in which most women start to get regular mammograms. For most women, age 50 is when they begin regular mammogram screenings, but those who are consider high risk are suggested to start having screenings