October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and take action to protect our health. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the U.S. during their lifetime, but early detection saves lives. Together, we can spread knowledge, encourage screenings, and support research for a cure.
Fast facts About Breast Cancer
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- Early Detection Matters: When found early, breast cancer has a 5-year survival rate of over 90%.
- Men Can Be Affected Too: About 1% of all breast cancer cases occur in men.
- Risk Factors: Family history, age, genetics (like BRCA1/BRCA2), and some lifestyle choices can influence risk.
- Self-Care Counts: Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol intake can reduce risk.
Take Action This Month
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- Schedule Your Screening: Women 40 and older should discuss mammograms with their doctor. Those with higher risk may need earlier testing.
- Know Your Body: Perform regular breast self-exams and report any changes (lumps, skin dimpling, nipple discharge) to a healthcare provider.
- Support the Cause: Participate in fundraising walks, donate to research organizations, or volunteer with local cancer support groups.
A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Home Health care offers compassionate and professional support in the comfort of your own home, allowing you to focus on healing and maintaining your quality of life. Skilled nursing care includes medication management, pain control, wound care after surgery, and monitoring side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Source: American Cancer Society