OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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October 11, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign that takes place in October. The campaign aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote screening and early detection, and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The month-long event is recognized by the White House and major breast cancer charities and organizations worldwide 1 2.

If you’re looking for places to get screened for breast cancer in East County, you can check out the Every Woman Counts (EWC) program. They provide free breast and cervical cancer screenings and follow-up services to eligible women in San Diego County. The program is offered through the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and includes clinical breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests. To qualify for these free tests, you must live in San Diego County, meet the age requirements, have no insurance or limited health insurance, have health insurance with a co-payment or deductible you cannot afford, or have low household income. You can call (619) 515-2300 or fill out the form on their website to see if you qualify.

In addition to EWC, there are several other healthcare centers that offer breast cancer screening services in San Diego County. Here are some of them:

1. Prebys Cancer Center: Located on the campus of Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, this center is part of Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center and treats patients throughout San Diego County 3.
2. Family Health Center: Oak Park Family Health Center is a state-of-the-art facility and a vital access point to health care for community members 4.
3. Imaging Healthcare Specialists: Offers diagnostic and screening mammograms at several locations throughout San Diego County 5.

The frequency of breast cancer screening depends on several factors, including age, family history, and personal risk factors. The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk of breast cancer should start getting mammograms every year starting at age 45. Women between the ages of 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year if they wish to do so. Women aged 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year or continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years 6 7.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and the frequency of screening may vary depending on individual circumstances. Women with a higher risk of breast cancer may need to start screening earlier or more frequently than women at average risk 8 9.

The symptoms of breast cancer can vary from person to person, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. However, some common symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
• Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breast.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk.
• A nipple that is inverted (turned inward) or changes its position or shape.
• Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin.

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It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions that are not cancerous. If you notice any changes in your breasts, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, people wear pink ribbons to show their support for breast cancer patients and survivors. The color pink is associated with the campaign and is used in various ways to promote awareness and fundraising efforts.

In addition to the pink ribbon, there are several other symbols associated with the campaign. For example, the Susan G. Komen Foundation uses a running ribbon as its symbol for breast cancer awareness 4.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been observed since 1985 when it was started as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society in partnership with Imperial Chemical Industries 5. It eventually extended to a month-long event and has since become a global phenomenon 6.

If you want to learn more about breast cancer or get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities, you can visit the websites of major breast cancer charities such as Breastcancer.org, Susan G. Komen, or National Breast Cancer Foundation.