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5 Things You Need to Know About Breast Cancer This Month

Breast Cancer This Month

Every year, breast cancer is diagnosed in hundreds of thousands of people across the country, but its effects are felt by millions of people whose friends and family members are dealing with the disease. It’s why we make a point of recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October, and it’s why it’s so important for everyone to learn the risk factors, the warning signs, and the treatment options available.

We’re sure you’ll hear plenty about it this month. So much, in fact, that you might miss some important facts about breast cancer along the way. But if you only take away a few key items this month, here’s what we think you should know.

The Hard Numbers

According to the latest data from the American Cancer Society (ACS), over 270,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in both men and women by the end of 2019. It also estimates that over 42,000 people will have passed away due to it. And in Maryland, ACS data indicates that upwards of 10,000 people will succumb to the disease this year alone.

These sobering statistics mean that, even after all this time, breast cancer is still among the most common and dangerous forms of cancer.

The Risk Factors

The National Breast Cancer Foundation notes that one out of every eight women in the United States will be diagnosed at some point in her lifetime, but there are some contributing factors that can increase or decrease a person’s level of risk.

There are a variety of uncontrollable risk factors, such as age, sex, and family history, but the following are just a few of the things you can control that may improve your level of risk:

  • Limiting alcohol consumption
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Consistent physical activity

There are numerous other lifestyle factors that may influence your risk as well, so check out the ACS website to learn more. And be sure to talk with your primary care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

The Real Benefits of Early Detection

Like any form of cancer, early detection is crucial for a patient’s diagnosis. When it’s found early, breast cancer can be treated in one of several ways outlined below, but treatment options are more limited the further the cancer progresses.

Although awareness efforts have gone a long way to promoting the benefits of mammography and early detection in our own state, ACS reports show that just over 75% of Maryland women over the age of 40 received a mammogram in the past two years. That means that nearly 20% of women in the age group most affected by breast cancer didn’t have the benefit of early medical imaging detection should issues have arisen.

The Treatment Options Available

Breast cancer can be treated through several different methods, and what treatment options available often depends on the type of breast cancer it is and how far it has spread. Below are the most common forms of treatment available:

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormonal therapy
  • Biological therapy
  • Radiation therapy

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to learn more about each type of treatment.

The Best Places to Address Breast Health Issues in Southern Maryland

Although there’s never a good time or place to receive a breast cancer diagnosis, you can rest assured that University of Maryland (UM) Charles Regional practices are close by and ready to provide compassionate, high-quality care for a variety of breast health issues.

From early detection to advanced treatment, you can find extraordinary breast health specialists right here in Southern Maryland. UM Charles Regional Imaging and UM Charles Regional Medical Group – Women’s Health are ideally located in La Plata and Waldorf and provide a wide variety of services to our community.

Visit our website to learn more about our new Women’s Health practice, led by Dr. Erica Contreras and Dr. Katreena Settle, or call (301) 609-4800 to schedule an appointment today.

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Comments

  1. Carrie Wyman

    30% of those diagnosed with early breast cancer will have a reoccurrence to stage 4 . This is why access to PeT scans and follow up are important for men and women diagnosed .

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