October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By David A. Johnson MD, Medical Director, Signature Care

Wednesday, September 28, 2005; Posted: 8:16 a.m.

This October marks the 20th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It began in 1985 as a mere weeklong event to increase the public's awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection. Now, the month long campaign involves a myriad of supporters from professional associations, government agencies, and national public service organizations.

Each year more than 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,000 people in this country die from breast cancer yearly (men as well as women!) Approximately one in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. The good news is that early detection of breast cancer increases the chance of survival dramatically. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 98% for those persons whose cancer has not spread beyond the breast at the time of diagnosis. In fact, the death rate for breast cancer has actually shown a decline in recent years though the incidence of new cases has gone up. This decline in the death rate is felt to be directly attributable to early detection of the disease. Programs such as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month have played a major role in facilitating that early detection.

The month includes nationwide opportunities to hear noted speakers discuss the topic of breast cancer detection and treatment. There are also a wealth of fundraisers such as cancer walks that not only raise awareness through active participation, but also generate money to support cancer research and patient services. Support groups and resource programs are also promoted to help those dealing with the issues of breast cancer.

Here are the recommendations of the American Cancer Society for breast cancer screening:

• Every woman age 40 and older should have an annual mammogram and a clinical breast exam by a health care professional every year.
• Women between the ages of 20 and 39 should have a clinical breast exam by a health care professional every 3 years.
• Women 20 and older should perform breast self-examinations every month.

Great strides are being made in the area of breast cancer detection and treatment. But nothing is more important in the battle against breast cancer than early detection of the disease. Awareness is the key. Programs such as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month are crucial to keeping all of us mindful of the need for taking charge of our health.

For more information on activities related to this program, contacting the American Cancer Society would be a great place to start. Good health is all of our responsibility!