October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Each October, women are reminded about the importance of regular self-checks and follow-up for their breast health. However, for some, it can also be a painful reminder of the cancer journey they have been through or are currently going through. Gaining as much knowledge as possible is both valuable and powerful for our self-care routines.
No matter who you are or where you live, breast cancer has probably touched your life in one way or another, through a family member, co-worker, or acquaintance. It’s critical for every woman to know their own body well enough to notice changes and see their physician when needed.
Breast Cancer Facts and Stats:
- Approximately 1 in 8 women (13%) in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Advances in screening and treatment have reduced overall risk, but the numbers continue to rise by about 1% each year.
- About 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage — before cancer has spread outside of the breast — when treatments tend to work better.
- About 42,140 women will die from breast cancer in 2026.
- Black women have a 5% lower breast cancer incidence than white women, but they have a 38% higher risk of dying from the disease, which is higher than any other racial or ethnic group.
- 85% of women who develop breast cancer have NO family history.
- Genetic mutations make up only 5-10% of breast cancers, but women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations have a 67-72% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
Be Proactive with your Health Care:
TAKE TIME to perform self-breast exams regularly, avoiding the time around your menstrual period. Knowing what your “normal” is will help you when and if you do find a change. Give special attention to any changes, including any nodules, tenderness/pain, skin discoloration, puckering, nipple changes or discharge, itchy scaly area or rash, swelling or redness. Please see your physician if any of these changes are noted.
KNOW your family history. Your risk rises with age and it doubles when a first-degree relative (mom, daughter, sister) is diagnosed. Ask your doctor to test for the inherited BRCA gene if you have a strong history of breast cancer in your family so you can be proactive in your treatment plan.
KEEP annual appointments with your physician. Breast cancer screening should include a breast exam by your physician, an annual Mammogram with or without a breast ultrasound, and a possible breast MRI for those at high risk. Keep these appointments for consistent follow-up. Women should start Mammograms between 40 and 45 years old, or earlier if needed based on your history.
ASK for a Breast MRI if your mammogram results are inconclusive, show uncertain changes, have dense breasts, or if you are considered high risk, to confirm results. Dense breast tissue carries a higher risk and makes it difficult to diagnose cancer using the standard mammogram. Ask for a breast MRI instead of waiting to recheck a mammogram in 6 months to a year. Advocate for yourself!
DO YOUR RESEARCH. If diagnosed with breast cancer, please do your research and find the best treatment options for you. There are many resources and highly experienced doctors in our area, but a second opinion can be validating and reassuring and may bring up options you hadn’t considered. If needed, you can also consider an evaluation at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, or UF Shands in Gainesville for additional information and advice. Information gives you the power to make the best decisions for your own health.
As a breast cancer survivor, I can not stress enough the importance of keeping up with your annual checks and needed scans to stay ahead of the game. This is even more critical if you have already been diagnosed.
Be the warrior you were meant to be!
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
Lisa Crump, RN. BSN. FCN
Parish Nurse