News

Dover honors breast cancer awareness month

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Dalquist
  • 436th Aeromedical Dental Squadron
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  October is breast cancer awareness month and the 436th Medical Group wants to remind Team Dover Airmen to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to breast cancer.

Did you know both men and women can get breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow out of control in the breast tissue.

This year, an estimated 180,510 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed. Delaware accounts for 560 cases.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women and accounts for approximately one of every three new cancers diagnosed. Men are at a lower risk, but should still be aware of the risk factors and symptoms.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Breast cancer screening is important since cancer can be identified before any signs or symptoms appear. There are three main tests used to screen for breast cancer: mammogram, clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider and self breast exam.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is recommended every one to two years for women 40 years and older because it is among the best early detection methods.

Tricare Prime beneficiaries 40 years of age or older are entitled to a screening mammogram once a year. Appointments can be scheduled at any time. However, as a prerequisite, a prescription is required to make the mammogram appointment. To obtain a prescription, the medical group recommends calling the assigned primary care manager team at 730-4633.

Remember, early detection is the best protection!

(Information provided by The American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org)

Breast Cancer Awareness Checklist

Symptoms may not be present and can include: lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling in part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of the breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple or breast area, nipple discharge other than breast milk, a change in the size or shape of a breast and pain in the nipple or breast. Although these symptoms can occur with conditions that are not cancer, anyone with these signs should seek medical care as soon as possible.

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. These include older age, never giving birth or being older at the birth of your first child, never breastfeeding, younger age at start of menstrual cycle or older age at start of menopause, personal or family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter), being overweight and/or not getting regular exercise, long-term use of hormone replacement therapy, and drinking more than one alcoholic drink per day. It is important to discuss any risk factors you have with your provider to help lower your risk.

Oct. 26, the Health and Wellness center is holding a 'Survivor Seminar' highlighting breast cancer survivor Mr. Michael Smith and a Domestic Violence Advocate at 2:30 p.m. in room 2A at the base clinic. Snacks will be provided. For information and to sign up, call Avonda Johnson at 677-3733 or Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Dahlquist at 677-6686.