September 24, 2007 – October is breast cancer awareness month. The American Cancer Society encourages women to follow simple screening guidelines and to learn how to reduce their chance of developing this potentially life threatening disease.

“Because of advancements in research and treatment options now available, a great deal of progress has been made over the last 50 years,” said Al Stabilito, Northeast Ohio Public Relations Director of the American Cancer Society. “However, in order for breast cancer incidence rates and deaths to continue to decline, it’s important to remind women about ways to prevent this disease and about testing procedures.”

According to the American Cancer Society, this year an estimated 178,480 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and about 40,460 will die from this disease. It’s still the second leading cause of cancer death for females, after lung cancer.

“If you a woman, you are at risk for breast cancer,” Stabilito added. “However, finding it at an early, treatable stage is vital. Unfortunately, some women ignore getting a mammogram. A late stage breast cancer diagnosis is much harder to treat than an early stage diagnosis. The key to treatment for breast cancer and all cancer in fact, is to detect it when it is still at a localized stage.”

Although some of the risk factors linked to breast cancer are known, it’s not yet known what all of the causes are. It could be that a woman of average risk for breast cancer may lower her risk somewhat by changing some risk factors. These risk factors include giving birth to several children and breast-feeding them for several months, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods and maintaining the proper body weight.

It is also important for women to follow the American Cancer Society’s screening guidelines for finding breast cancer early.

Mammogram: Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. While mammograms can miss some cancers, they are still a very good tool to find breast cancer.

Clinical breast exam: Women in their 20’s and 30’s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular exam by a health expert, preferably every three years. After age 40, women should have a CBE by a health expert every year. It might be a good idea to have the CBE shortly before the mammogram. You can use the exam to learn what your own breasts feel like.

Breast awareness and breast self-exam (BSE): BSE is an option for women starting in their 20’s. Women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any changes in how their breasts look or feel to their health professional right away. If a woman decides to do BSE, she should have the doctor or nurse check the method to make sure she is doing it properly. If women do BSE on a regular basis, they get to know how their breasts normally look and feel. Then they can more easily notice changes.

Women at high risk: Women with a higher risk of breast cancer should talk with their doctor about the best approach for them. This might mean starting mammograms when they are younger, having extra tests such as an MRI, or having more frequent exams.

The most important thing is to see your doctor right away if you notice any of these breast changes: a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or the nipple turning inward, redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, or a discharge other than breast milk. Most of the time breast changes are not cancerous.

The American Cancer Society has the following free services available for breast cancer patients and others:

B.E.S.T. - This program provides no cost mammograms for women who have no health insurance or inadequate health insurance. Susan G. Komen for the Cure Northeast Ohio Affiliate awarded a grant to the American Cancer Society. Women should call 1-888-227-6446, ext 2104 to see if they are eligible.

Breast Health Education - Volunteer speakers visit groups and talk to them about the importance of screenings and breast health. Targeted groups include business associations, churches and clubs where women commonly meet.

Look Good Feel Better - Volunteer licensed cosmetologists and beauty professionals lead small groups, usually consisting of six to ten women, through a practical, hands-on session. Women learn about makeup techniques, skin care, nail care and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans and scarves.

Mammogram Reminder – visit www.cancer.org/MammogramReminder and complete the easy registration for the Health Messaging Assistant. You will start receiving annual mammogram reminders through email.

Patient Navigator – Cancer patients often need assistance to help them find different resources available in the community. Patient Navigators help by providing useful information and services while undergoing treatment for cancer.

Reach to Recovery - Volunteers make visits to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in communities throughout the United States. Reach to Recovery volunteers not only provide support, but also offer information on how to take care of yourself after surgery. They supply a temporary soft prosthesis, booklets on treatment of cancer and answer non-medical questions.

Support Groups – Several breast cancer support groups meet on a regular basis. These meetings give women a chance to talk to other breast cancer survivors and in addition learn about the latest in breast cancer research and treatment options.

The following events will be held in October in Northeast Ohio in conjunction with breast cancer awareness month:

Monday, October 1, 2007 – The Junior Women’s League of Youngstown and the American Cancer Society will have a Pink Ribbon Tea at the Holiday Inn Metroplex in Girard. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. and lunch starts at noon. This is a breast cancer education event. For more information call the Junior Women’s League at 330-743-3200.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007 – The St. Elizabeth Breast Care Center Advisory Board and American Cancer Society will have a breast health symposium titled, “Breast Imaging: What is the Best Test for Me?” Registration is from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. The program runs from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Dr. Alice Rim MD from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation is the guest speaker. The program will be held at Stambaugh Auditorium on Fifth Avenue in Youngstown. Dinner and door prizes are included. Reservations are required. Call 330-480-3151 or toll free 1-877-700-4647.

Saturday, October 6, 2007 - Concert for the Cure: A Recital with Joan Kwuon, violinist. Tiffany Breast Care Center and the American Cancer Society will host this event beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the Eleanor Beecher Flad Pavilion Ford Family Recital Hall. Ms. Kwuon is a breast cancer survivor. She has performed with U.S. orchestras from coast-to-coast including an appearance with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra in 2006. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society’s BEST program, which provides free mammograms to eligible women. For tickets call 330-744-0264.

Sunday, October 14, 2007 – The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will begin at McKinley High School in Canton. The 5k, 3.1 mile walk raises awareness about breast cancer and funds for the American Cancer Society. This is the eighth year of the Canton walk. People of all ages are encouraged to participate. Registration is at 9:00 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m. For more information go to www.cancer.org/makingstrides.

For more information about breast cancer or other types of cancer, call the American Cancer Society’s national toll free telephone number anytime at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/BreastCancer.