Breast Cancer Awareness highlighted throughout October.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and our opportunity to remind women that they can take control of their breast health. Routine mammograms are covered under most health insurance plans, and early detection provides greater likelihood of successful treatment.
With nearly 40,000 deaths reported each year, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women following skin cancer. Knowing the risks and early signs is important in the early detection, while understanding one’s family history is also vital. Routine breast exams are part of a women’s well-visit and should occur every two years. If a woman is at higher risk for breast cancer than earlier and more frequent exams should be recommended.
According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation not all women experience the same signs and symptoms. Possible signs of breast cancer include:
- Lump or hard knot in the breast or armpit
- Swelling or redness/darkening of the breast
- Change in size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Itchy, scaly or rash-like patches on nipple
- Sudden discharge from nipple
- Pain in one spot that does not go away
The presence of one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have cancer. Rather they are reasons to seek professional advice. Calling your health practitioner and scheduling a clinical breast exam and/or mammogram is the best tool for diagnosing and treatment planning. To learn more about early detection best practices, visit Susan G. Komen Foundation.
For more information on health insurance plans and breast cancer screening benefits contact Marie at Brownell Insurance, marie@brownellinsurance.com.
