MCHD Physician Assistant Elizabeth Martinez-Alamillo spoke at the 'Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness' event in which she offered advice and important information regarding the disease.
“I am here to speak to you about breast cancer, and will be sharing some facts about breast cancer, some signs and symptoms to look out for when doing self breast exams, and breast cancer screening guidelines and recommendations,” said Alamillo.
“In the US, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are being female and aging. About 95% of all breast cancers in the U.S. occur in women 40 and older. Women who get regularly screened for breast cancer have a 47% lower risk of dying from the disease compared to those who don't.
Breast cancer deaths have been declining since 1990 thanks to early detection, better screening, increased awareness, and new treatment options. Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. and the first leading cause of cancer death among women globally. In the U.S. today, there are more than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors- the largest group of all cancer survivors.
Every 2 minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S..” informed Alamillo to the attendees of the event.
“Many breast cancer symptoms are invisible and not noticeable without a professional screening. But some symptoms can be caught early just by being proactive about your breast health. Every person should know the symptoms and signs of breast cancer, and any time an abnormality is discovered, it should be investigated by a healthcare professional.
Most people who have breast cancer symptoms and signs will initially notice only one or two, and the presence of these symptoms and signs do not automatically mean that you have breast cancer.
By performing monthly breast self-exams, you will be able to more easily identify any changes in your breast. Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual,” added Alamillo.
Alamillo proceeded to provide an informative presentation on abnormalities, detection, early screenings and overall awareness into changes often experienced in the human body that require evaluation.
“Any unexplained change in the size or shape of the breast.
Dimpling anywhere on the breast.
Unexplained swelling of the breast (especially if on one side only).
Unexplained shrinkage of the breast (especially if on one side only).
Recent asymmetry of the breasts (Although it is common for women to have one breast that is slightly larger than the other, if the onset of asymmetry is recent, it should be checked.)
Nipple that is turned slightly inward or inverted.
Skin of the breast, areola, or nipple that becomes scaly, red, or swollen or may have ridges or pitting resembling the skin of an orange.”
“Any nipple discharge-particularly clear discharge or bloody discharge. It is also important to note that a milky discharge that is present when a woman is not breastfeeding should be checked by her provider, although it is not linked with breast cancer. Let your provider know about any nipple discharge, clear, bloody or milky.” stated Alamillo.
Alamillo also discussed and identified Environmental And Lifestyle Risk Factors. These include: lack of physical activity, a sedentary lifestyle with little physical activity and poor diet.
“Now, what can be done to reduce our risk of breast cancer?
Although you cannot prevent cancer, some habits that can help reduce our risk are: Maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active, eat fruits and vegetables, do not smoke, and limit your alcohol consumption.”
If you have any questions regarding Breast Cancer Screenings you can contact the MCHD BCCS program at (830)757-4950.