October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and organizations across the country are encouraging people to check themselves and remain vigilant of signs of breast cancer.
1 out of 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lives, while it’s about 1 out of 1,000 for men. In 2019, an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 62,930 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.

 


This year, an estimated 41,760 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.

This number remains too high, and we are losing too many great moms, sisters, daughters, etc., on an annual basis. Please do your part on a personal level to check yourself and encourage other family and friends to check themselves to help in identifying potential signs. The healthcare community has been making great strides to protect our women from breast cancer and death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, in part due to better screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options.

(NBC)

 

Action Steps:

1. A nutritious, low-fat diet (30 grams or less) with plenty of fruits and green and orange vegetables can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. A high-fat diet increases the risk because fat triggers estrogen production that can fuel tumor growth.

2. Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month.

3. Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. Notice any changes and get lumps evaluated by your healthcare provider.

(NBC)

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Care in Indianapolis, IN, please call the caring staff at Home Services Unlimited. Serving Greater Indianapolis Area. Call for Immediate Info & Assistance: (317) 471-0760

Etelka Froymovich, RN, MHA
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