Think pink in October

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Smoot
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Although most people are aware of breast cancer, many don't take the steps to try to detect the disease in its early stages or encourage others to do the same.

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells form in the tissues of the breast. The damaged cells can invade surrounding tissue, but with early detection and treatment, most people won't experience major problems.

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year and affecting countries at all levels of modernization. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

"Those interested in getting checked for breast cancer can do so by discussing their history and/or symptoms with their primary care manager," said Danielle Rinck, 341st Medical Group case manager.

From there, patients may receive a clinical breast exam or when recommended, a mammogram. Mammograms are done in the local area through referrals and are a covered Tricare benefit.

Other breast cancer diagnoses typically include ultrasounds, MRIs, biopsies and lab tests.

Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 40,000 will die. Although breast cancer in men is uncommon, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year, according to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

According to the American Cancer Society, women in their 20s and 30s, who are at average-risk, showing no symptoms, are recommended to have a clinical breast exam done every three years. Women over 40 years old should have an annual breast exam. Frequency of breast exams will increase if their primary care manager deems necessary.

Doctors don't know why some women develop breast cancer and others don't. And, most women who have breast cancer may not be able to pinpoint an exact cause.

"There are many risk factors involved that cannot be changed such as sex, age, family history, early menarche, and late menopause," Rinck said.

There are risk factors that individuals can change to decrease the odds that are associated with breast cancer such as postmenopausal obesity, use of combined menopausal hormones, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and lack of exercise, she added.

Although women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history.

"It is estimated that 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases result from inherited mutations," Rinck said. "The American Cancer Society for Clinical Oncology strongly recommends discussing history and testing with your PCM and/or a genetic counselor."

Although finding a lump in your breast may seem alarming, it doesn't always mean you have breast cancer.

"Most masses and breast lumps seen on mammograms turn out to be benign," Rinck said.

Standard treatments for breast cancer are surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

On Oct. 15, Malmstrom will have its annual Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Walk/Run and all are invited to participate.

For more information regarding breast cancer and breast cancer awareness month, visit breastcancer.org or nationalbreastcancer.org, or call Rinck at 731-3868.