Programs address cancer
risk
By Emily Baldauf
Senior
Writer
 Throughout
the month of October many magazines, television shows, companies and
community groups will be doing their best to spread the word about breast
cancer. Among the statistics and feature stories, perhaps the most important
piece of information available is the importance of early detection.
According to the American Cancer Society, one out
of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Although there
is no cure for breast cancer at this time, early detection can be a
powerful weapon against the sometimes-deadly disease.
"Women should do a self-breast exam every
month because breast cancer is very treatable if found early,"
said Nicole Baker the women's cancer program director at the YWCA. "The
earliest prevention is early detection."
One of the easiest ways to ensure early detection
is for women to start doing their own self-breast exams in their late
teen years.
"It’s important to start then, so a woman
knows what her breasts feel like, so she can realize when there are
changes," said Baker.
Also, by starting the healthy habit so young, women
are more likely to continue doing self-breast exams later in life.
"If people in their 20s learn how to do proper
self-breast exams, they will probably make it a lifelong habit to examine
their breasts every month." Student Wellness Office director Nancy
Maylath said.
Although there are many benefits, most young women
still question the need for self-breast exams, but although it is less
likely, breast cancer can affect young women also.
"Even though it is rare, younger women can
be diagnosed with breast cancer and it is important to be aware at any
age," Baker said.
The American Cancer Society also recommends that
young women have a clinical breast exam done every three years. And
once a woman reaches the age of 40, she should have a clinical exam
every year, as well as a mammogram.
"As a woman gets older, her risk of getting
breast cancer goes up, so we recommend women start going for annual
mammograms at the age of 40," Maylath said.
"Self-breast exams are still so important
because it is something you can do every month," Baker said. "Most
women only go for a mammogram or a clinical exam once a year and in
between those appointments a lot can change."
|
