D o Y ou or S omeone Y ou L ove N eed to S chedule a M amm EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Organized, in the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s words, to “honor those at every step of the breast cancer journey.” The annual observance has also served to educate the public and raise funds for research. Learn more about this deadly but survivable disease, and find out how you can help.
increases with age. Most risk factors, such as age, gender, and family history, cannot be changed. However, research shows that exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, and minimizing alcohol consumption may reduce your chance of developing the disease. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also place you at higher risk.
Contrary to popular myths, breast cancer is not caused by milk, microwave ovens, cellphones, caffeine, plastic cutlery, or deodorants.
BREAST CANCER IS EXTREMELY COMMON.
ANNUAL MAMMOGRAMS ARE FREE.
According to the NBCF, 1 in 8 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. It is the second leading cause of death in women (behind heart disease). A breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence, however. Thanks to research and ongoing education, there are over 3.3 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. today.
Early detection is the biggest factor in breast cancer survival. There’s some debate among researchers and insurance companies over the “right” age to begin screening, but most sources agree that women should begin to get regular mammograms in their 40s (and earlier if they have a family history of the disease). The Affordable Care Act (ADA) requires all health insurance plans to cover the cost of annual mammograms for women age 40 and older, and there are many organizations devoted to providing free mammograms to uninsured individuals.
WHAT CAUSES BREAST CANCER?
Breast cancer is caused by damage to cells’ DNA. It’s most common in women over the age of 40, though approximately 2,500 men in the U.S. are diagnosed each year as well. The risk of breast cancer
S uccess S tories OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST
In October of 2017, I had my annual mammogram, and the doctor found two types of cancer (ductal and lobular) in my left breast. The surgeon removed my left breast and 11 lymph nodes. When they removed the lymph nodes, I knew that that there was a chance that I would acquire lymphedema. Several months later, my left arm and hand began to swell. I started to look for a lymphedema therapist to treat my problem. I went to my primary care physician, Dr. Balangue, who recommended that I go to Vital Care Rehab for lymphedema treatment. At my first appointment with Michelle Garza, PT, DPT, she explained to me how we would treat my lymphedema. She measured both my arms and hands for a comparison. I was also given educational materials regarding lymphedema to help me understand it further. Prior to my first appointment, I did not know anything about lymphedema and lymphedema management.
At the next appointment, we started treatment. The massage was gentle and felt good. We used a compression pump and temporary bandages to wrap my arm and performed some exercise. After each session, my arm was getting smaller and smaller. I had to have my arm wrapped after each session to keep my arm from accumulating lymphatic fluid and to maintain my status. I was wrapped from my fingertips to my shoulder; however, several weeks later, my left arm was the same size as my right arm. I have had a total of eight visits and am now transitioning to phase two of my treatment. Michelle has ordered me a compression sleeve and glove that I will have to wear the rest of my life. I am so pleased with my results! Thank you, Michelle and Vital Care, for giving me my life back.
– Judy Laffin
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