October is the Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The most common cancer among women worldwide is breast cancer.
(According to the World Health Organization.)
Breast cancer claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year and affecting countries around the world, regardless of their region .
Breast Cancer: The Good News!
If found early enough, many women can beat and survive breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends women 40 and older have a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year, and younger women have clinical breast exams periodically as well (preferably at least every 3 years).
A woman’s risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is greatly increased if she inherits a deleterious mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. (According to the National Cancer Institute at the NI), While many men believe this is a woman’s concern… Men are simply not immune to breast cancer. Men found with these mutations also have an increased risk of breast cancer.
- Men and women who have harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations may be at increased risk of additional types of cancer. Genetic tests can check for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in people with a family history of cancer that suggests the possible presence of a harmful mutation in one of these genes, and if a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation is found, several options are available to help a person manage their cancer risk.
Are genetic tests available to detect BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations?
Yes. Several different tests are available, including tests that look for a known mutation in one of the genes (i.e., a mutation that has already been identified in another family member) and tests that check for all possible mutations in both genes. DNA (from a blood or saliva sample) is needed for mutation testing. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. It usually takes about a month to get the test results.
Possible signs of breast cancer include a lump or change in the breast.
Breast cancer may cause any of the following signs and symptoms. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following problems:
Other conditions that are not breast cancer may cause these same symptoms.- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Fluid, other than breast milk, from the nipple, especially if it’s bloody.
- Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola (the dark area of skin that is around the nipple).
- Dimples in the breast that look like the skin of an orange, called peau d’orange.
While we know some of this information may be a slight “overload”… please don’t discard it. Get yourself checked by your primary care facility as soon as possible. Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer.
At JoyRich Health Care Centers, We provide primary care to all patients in an ethical, high quality and compassionate way. We go above and beyond to understand each patients individual needs.
If you are looking for a primary care clinic that meets ALL your needs…
We are here to help!
2387 Professional Heights Plaza
Lexington, KY 40503
859-967-9486