Breast Cancer Awareness

By Jarris Coles, RN

Breast cancer impacts 1 in 8 U.S. women during their lifetime. For 2025, projections indicate approximately 316,950 women and 2,800 men will receive invasive breast cancer diagnoses, with an additional 59,080 cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer expected. Most likely, someone in your life has been touched by this disease.

Risk Factors
Main risks include being female and aging. Others include family history, gene mutations (BRCA1/BRCA2), dense breasts, hormone exposure, and lifestyle factors.

Prevention& Screening
Regular screening is crucial. Discuss with your doctor about the right schedule for you. The American Cancer Society provides guidelines at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer.html

Support Resources
If diagnosed, remember treatment options and support are available. The American Cancer Society offers The ACS Cares Program: https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/acs-cares.html 

Information for people with intellectual disabilities: https://pmhcc.app.box.com/s/0repn94lcshtk7r9g90o50fvx9p6zsuu

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It's the second most common cancer for women after skin cancer. 

Warning Signs:

• Breast cancer awareness month focuses on educating the public about risks, promoting early detection through mammograms and screenings, and supporting research and treatment.
• Recognizing symptoms like new lumps or skin changes, knowing personal risk factors, and understanding that early detection significantly improves survival rates.

• New lumps in breast or armpit
• Thickening or swelling
• Skin changes (dimpling, irritation, redness)
• Nipple changes or discharge
• Changes in breast size/shape
• Breast pain