We want to take a moment to remind everyone that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It affects 1 of every 8 American women.
According to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, breast cancer is responsible for more than 40,000 deaths in the United States each year, along with more than 265,000 cancer diagnoses. Fortunately, new treatments have pushed the disease's five-year survival rate to nearly 90%.
Breast cancer symptoms vary from person to person and there is no exact definition of what a lump or mass feels like. The best thing to do is to be familiar with your breasts so you know how “normal” feels and looks. If you notice any changes, tell your doctor. However, many breast cancers are found by mammograms before any symptoms appear. Our thanks to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for the breast cancer symptom information below.
Symptoms
Breast cancer symptoms may include:
- Lump or mass in the breast
- Lump or mass in the armpit
- Skin redness
- Dimpling or puckering on the breast
- Scaliness on nipple (sometimes extending to the areola)
- Discharge from the nipple
- Nipple changes, including the nipple turning inward, pulling to one side or changing direction
- Ulcer on the breast or nipple (sometimes extending to the areola)
- Thickening of the skin, resulting in an orange-peel texture
- Swelling
These symptoms do not always mean you have breast cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, since they may also signal other health problems.
Risk Assessment Tool
The American Cancer Institute has a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT). The tool is based on a statistical model known as the Gail Model, named after Dr. Mitchell Gail, Senior Investigator in the Biostatistics Branch of the NCI Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics.
The tool uses a woman’s own personal information to estimate risk of developing invasive breast cancer over specific periods of time. We invite you to take the test by clicking here, Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool.
Taking Action
During the month of October, we encourage you to get that mammogram, talk with your doctor, and take care of yourself.
Getting Involved
We have a couple of suggestions if you want to get involved in generating donations to cancer research and getting some exercise in the bargain.
2019 Komen Houston Race for the Cure©, Saturday, October 5, 2019, Sam Houston Park. The 2019 Komen Houston Race for the Cure© has raised $662,507.50 of their goal of $1 Million.
Making Strides of Houston American Cancer Society 5K Run/Walk, Saturday, November 9, 2019, CitiCentre.
Dean and Draper
You’ve seen the statistics, 1 in every 8 women in our country are impacted by breast cancer. Please urge those you know and love to get a mammogram and get one for yourself while you’re at it. The best news is that the 5-year survival rate is up to 90%.
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The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.
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Sources: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, National Breast Cancer Institute, 2019 Komen Houston Race for the Cure©, Houston American Cancer Society
The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.