October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

BINGHAMTON, NY - Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in New York State. "More than 12,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year in the Empire State, and approximately 3,600 New York women will die from the disease," states Claudia Edwards, Public Health Director of the Broome County Health Department.

The good news is that, if breast cancer is found early, it can be effectively treated in 95 percent of the cases. Therefore, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Broome County Health Department is reinforcing its recommendation for women aged 50 and older to receive annual mammograms and clinical breast exams.

There are still women who do not take advantage of early detection and others who do not get breast cancer screening mammograms and clinical breast exams at regular intervals. The Healthy Living Partnership, under the guidance of the Broome County Health Department, is working to change this. Low cost/no cost clinical breast exams, mammograms and cervical cancer screenings are offered to women 50 years of age and older who are uninsured or underinsured. In 2001, 1,700 women in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga counties took advantage of this life saving opportunity.

There are risk factors that can increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. These are conditions or behaviors that can increase your chances of developing a disease. No one knows for certain why some women develop breast cancer and others do not. "However, being a woman and being over age 50 puts you at increased risk for breast cancer," states Ms. Edwards.

Other conditions that may also place a woman at higher risk for breast cancer are:

• A personal history of breast cancer or of a benign breast disease, called atypical hyperplasia;
• A family history of breast cancer, especially if diagnosed in a relative at a young age. If a close family member such as a mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer, it does not mean that you will get breast cancer yourself. But, it means that you have a higher than average risk;
• The first period occurred before age 12, or last period occurred after age 50; or,
• A positive genetic test result for BRCA1 or BRCA2.

Ms. Edwards also stressed that having one of these risk factors doesn't mean that you will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do not have any risk factors or unusual symptoms.

"Breast self-examination is a way to notice any changes in your breasts -- changes that could be signs of breast cancer. If you should notice an unusual lump, discharge or any other change, contact your health care provider," warns Ms. Edwards. Most lumps are not cancerous, but all changes that you find should be checked.

As many as 30 percent of breast cancer deaths could be avoided if all women aged 40 and older receive regular breast cancer screenings. Ms. Edwards advises that most insurance companies provide coverage for an annual mammogram and clinical breast exam. If you are woman who is uninsured or underinsured, aged 50 years or older, and live in Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Delaware or Otsego counties, call the Healthy Living Partnership at the Broome County Health Department, at 1.877.276.1019 for information about comprehensive breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment at no or low cost.

CONTACT:

Jennifer Lesko, Supervising Public Health Educator,
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.3929
email: jlesko

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