Breast Cancer Awareness by Dr. Keener
October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, except for skin cancer. In 2021, it is estimated that 281,550 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and an estimated 49,290 will be diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer.
Breast cancer screening is a preventative tool that can be used to help detect and diagnose early breast cancer. The USPSTF recommends that women aged 50 to 74 years old at average risk get a mammogram every two years, while women that are 40 to 49 should talk to their doctors about when to start screening and how often based on their risk factors. A mammogram is a low dose x-ray that is used to detect and diagnose breast cancer.
I think it is very important to highlight the importance of breast cancer awareness during October every year, but especially during a pandemic. During the pandemic, many people have delayed their cancer screenings. It was an estimated that there has been a deficit of 3.9 million breast cancer screenings among US adults. Although the pandemic is still ongoing, it is very important for women to continue their breast cancer screening. Delays in screening can mean that breast cancers are missed and can become larger and more advanced and can even be harder to treat.
This October is especially important to highlight breast cancer screening. If you have been putting off your breast cancer screening, please talk to your doctor about the reason why so that we can help you understand the importance of getting it done.
