National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The June E. Nylen Cancer Center supports National Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October with educational material and pink ribbons, the symbol for breast cancer.It is important for all women to do breast self examinations monthly and have a clinical breast exam. A screening mammogram is the most important screening test as it can detect breast cancer up to two years before a tumor can be felt by you or your doctor.Did you know?One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.More than 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.When breast cancer is detected early (localized stage), the 5-year survival rate is 98%.More than 30% of women are diagnosed after breast cancer has spread beyond the localized stage.BREAST CANCER Signs and Symptoms:A change in how the breast or nipple feelsYou may experience nipple tenderness or notice a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area.A change in how the breast or nipple looks.This could mean a change in the size or shape of the breast or a nipple that is turned slightly inward.In addition, the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple may appear scaly, red, or swollen or may have ridges or pitting that resembles the skin of an orange.Nipple dischargeGenerally, early breast cancer does not cause pain. Even so, a woman should see her healthcare provider about breast pain or any other breast cancer symptoms that do not go away.It is important to talk to a doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family member of yours has had breast or ovarian cancer. Your doctor can help you decide when and how often to get mammograms.The June E. Nylen Cancer Center offers a free mammogram screening program to focus on early detection. The SOS or Serving Our Sisters funds provides a free screening mammogram for women in need of financial assistance, or without insurance. This program is in partnership with Mercy Medical Center-Sioux City, Unity Point Health-St.Luke's, and Burgess Health Center. To be eligible those applying must meet the financial guidelines, have a physician or referring agency, and be 35 or older.Monies for this free mammogram program are funded in many ways. This program is supported through the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Siouxland Affiliate as well as numerous fundraisers to support this program. In the month of October, many local businesses help fund this program by organizing their own breast cancer awareness fund raising event."With October recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we greatly appreciate the participation from local businesses and organizations who help in funding the SOS program for free mammography," says Karen Van De Steeg, Executive Director of the June E. Nylen Cancer Center, "cancer in general affects one in two men, and one in three women. We are fortunate to be able to offer cancer treatment with the best technology and a caring compassionate staff as well as a comfortable place for Siouxlanders."