Officials urge breast cancer prevention practices in October

Friday, October 10, 2008

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women, but screening and early detection can help identify cancer in its early stages when the disease is most treatable.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and women should become informed about their risks of developing cancer and how effective screening for the disease is, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

In 2005, 1,848 cases of female breast cancer were diagnosed in Kansas and 398 women died of the disease between 2002 and 2006. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that 182,460 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year and 40,500 women will die from the disease in the United States, according to the KDHE.

"While incidence rates of breast cancer in the state have decreased steadily in the last 10 years, women should be aware of the great health benefits of screening for the disease with a yearly mammogram or clinical breast exam," KDHE Secretary Roderick Bremby said. "KDHE takes a proactive stance in urging women to take care of their health and screening is a priority in detecting breast cancer at its earliest stages when it is most treatable and survivable."

According to the KDHE, three methods are used to screen for the disease:

* A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is the best method for early detection of breast cancer. Regular mammograms should begin at the age of 40 and be done every 1-2 years. Mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer by detecting cancer at an early, highly treatable stage.

* A clinical breast examination is completed by a doctor or nurse to feel for lumps or other changes in the breasts and should be used for women in their 20s and 30s.

* A breast self-exam can be done by a woman on a monthly basis to self-check for change in the size and shape of the breast or under the arm. Beginning in their 20s, women should conduct monthly breast self-exams.

Centers for Disease Control statistics indicate that while mammogram and clinical breast exam rates rose during the 1990s, rates decreased between 1999-2002 by about two percent. The decrease in screening rates nationally may be attributed to a number of factors, including a shortage of breast-imaging facilities, shortages of key medical personnel, malpractice concerns and financial constraints. Many women also lack a primary health provider, are uninsured, or may be recent immigrants without access to health care, according to the CDC.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women regardless of race or ethnicity. KDHE promotes breast cancer screening for all women and provides services for age appropriate, low income, or uninsured women through its Early Detection Works program. The program served about 6,000 women last year, providing clinical breast exams and mammograms through a network of providers across the state.

For more information about the program, visit www.preventionworkskansas.com, or call toll-free (877) 277-1368.