Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
It’s October. We find pink ribbons, fundraising walks, and reminders about the importance of breast exams at every corner. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The data shows early detection through regular screenings and self-examinations is key to improving outcomes. No matter what stage cancer is detected at, though, there is dread when the news is delivered.
It is estimated that over 310,000 women in the United States were diagnosed with new cases of invasive breast cancer in 2024. That means 310,000 families had their world turned upside down.
Being close to the Texas Medical Center means patients have easy access to top-notch healthcare facilities that have been recognized for their customer service and research, like MD Anderson Cancer Center, Memorial Hermann, Methodist, and more. With Premier Patient Housing having multiple-sized furnished apartments and different locations throughout the Texas Medical Center, you and your family have options on working through your treatment together.
Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery, which are physically and mentally exhausting. It is vital that patients are able to rest as much as possible and focus on healing. Cutting the commute to be closer to treatment facilities and their doctors in case of an emergency is one of the top reasons patients reach out to Premier Patient Housing for accommodation.
Prevention
According to research, women of all ages should perform breast self-exams at least once a month (aim for the same time every month). Lillie D. Shockney, Distinguished Service Professor of Breast Cancer at Johns Hopkins University said, “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.”
According to National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., there are three short parts to a self-exam: in the shower, in front of a mirror, and laying down.
- In the shower– Use your 3 middle fingers to check the entire breast and armpit area, pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure. Raise the arm that’s on the same side of the breast you’re examining and place that hand behind your head. You’re feeling for any new lumps, thickenings, hardened knots, or any other changes. Make sure you do it on both breasts.
- In front of the mirror– Visually inspect your breasts and look for any changes in the contour or shape, any dimpling, swelling, or other skin irregularities on or around the breasts, or any changes in the nipples.
- Lying down– When you lie down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. You want to repeat the same steps that you did in the shower.