For more than 30 years, October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the goal of increasing awareness and raising funds to support research.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S., after nonmelanoma skin cancer. It mostly affects women age 50 and older, who develop about 83 percent of new breast cancer cases and represent 91 percent of deaths from breast cancer. Half of the women who die from breast cancer in the U.S. are age 70 or older.
Most new breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage, meaning they have not spread outside of the breast. These early-stage cancers are most often found during breast cancer screening and typically have a high rate of survival because treatment is more effective at this stage.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many non-emergency procedures being put on hold. This has led to a substantial decline in cancer screening.
The American Cancer Society has issued guidelines for women at average risk for breast cancer. For screening purposes, a woman is considered to be at average risk if she doesn’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as in a BRCA gene), and has not had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30.
Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
All women should understand what to expect when getting a mammogram for breast cancer screening – what the test can and cannot do.
For men, November is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and the rules are the same.
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer diagnosed in men, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, after lung cancer. Because of effective screening options for prostate cancer, the disease is often caught before it spreads, and as a whole, survival rates are good for this type of cancer.
While the general guidelines recommend starting at age 55, you may need PSA screening between the ages of 40 and 54 if you either have at least one first-degree relative (such as your father or brother) who has had prostate cancer, or have at least two extended family members who have had prostate cancer.
Don’t ignore the warning signs and don’t believe you will be the exception to the rule.
Stay informed, and take care of yourself.