Thursday, October 31, 2013

Take Action Thursday: Engaging in Research Studies

Engaging in Breast Cancer Research – Hayley’s Story

In 2010, the University of Kansas Breast Cancer Prevention Center received a $4.5 million Promise Grant from Susan G. Komen. This purpose of the grant is to investigate whether an estrogen found in flax seed – a commonly used supplement – can reduce the risk for breast cancer.

Hayley Woods decide to become a part of something bigger than herself! After hearing about the research study from her local Komen Affiliate, Hayley called the Prevention Center to see if she could potentially qualify for the study. After an initial consultation, Hayley was invited back to have a fine needle aspiration to collect a tissue sample. This sample will be the final determination of whether or not Hayley will be accepted into the trial.

Most people don’t know what to expect when it comes to qualifying or participating for a clinical trial. Hayley shares the experience in her own words:

I arrived at the Breast Research Center, and I was a little bit nervous. I was about to have needles put in me! I was checked in right away and taken to my exam room. The staff was all very helpful and friendly. They quickly put my mind at ease. The nurse took my vitals and went over some paperwork with me that thoroughly explained the procedure, the after care, and what I should expect. She also explained a little bit more about the research study, and I was then feeling ready and prepared.

Kandy and Amy came in to give me an initial exam and prepare me for my fine needle aspiration. They made casual conversation that relaxed me and made me feel comfortable. After explaining all of the steps, they turned on some soft music and low lights. I thought I was at the spa for a moment! They continued to engage me in conversation that kept my mind distracted and my nerves calm.

They cleaned the area that they would be working around, and everything was ready. The only discomfort I experienced the entire time was a little pinch when the numbing medication was put in. After I was numb, I felt no pain at all, from start to finish. The procedure only took about 20 minutes, and I just rested and talked with the ladies as they worked.

After they were done, I applied cold packs for a few minutes before they bandaged me up. It was over! The results will take about 4 to 6 weeks, and then I will know if I qualify for the flaxseed trial. I would definitely do it again, and I would recommend it to anyone interested.

I will get to follow up regularly with the clinic and stay on top of my breast health. This is important to me, especially as a person without good health insurance. This is a great opportunity to keep up on my own health and contribute to research!



It only took about four weeks to get my aspiration results back. I was excited to find out that I did qualify for the study! The office set me up with another appointment to come back and finish the final steps to get me enrolled in the study.



I was asked to fast the night before my appointment, and when I arrived, I had a blood draw. As usual, the office staff was very friendly and helpful. I did not have to wait long periods of time, which was important when I had my four year old with me!



I went over the last details with Jessica, the study coordinator. I feel very confident about my role in the study, which is as simple as taking my study medication (with no known side effects) each day, and checking back in with the clinic regularly. As I finished signing my paperwork, I found out that the study pays me too! I had no idea! That made for a wonderful surprise, and now I'm ready to start the study and do my part in Breast Cancer Research!



Are you thinking about participating in a clinical trial? Don't hesitate! It has been a great experience and opportunity to give back! - Hayley Woods

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Webinar Wednesday: Clinical Trials for Breast Cancer Patients

Webinar Wednesday! Join us for a free webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 11:30 am CT: “Clinical Trials for Breast Cancer Patients.” Learn how clinical trials work, the benefits of participating, how to enroll and more. Register (space is limited): https://www.eventbrite.com/event/9003151669  #Komen365

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Talk About it Tuesday: Real World Research


REAL WORLD RESEARCH


Komen has sustained a strong commitment to supporting research that will identify and deliver cures for breast cancer since it began over 30 years ago. This commitment has resulted in important progress that has contributed to major advances in breast cancer since our founding in 1982. With increasing investments over time, now totaling over $800 million, Komen is now the largest non-government funder of breast cancer research in the world.



Our research focus has evolved over the years. In the beginning we focused on understanding the basic biology of breast cancer. As we learn more about the factors that make cancer cells grow and spread, we are able to invest more in the translation of this knowledge into treatment, early detection and prevention. Our focus is to support work that has significant potential to lead to reductions in incidence and mortality within the decade. Our work isn’t done until our vision of a world without breast cancer is reached.



Susan G. Komen:

• began with a single grant for $28,000 in 1982

• has funded research each year since we began

• has invested more than $800 million in research since 1982 to support over 2200 research grants

• is the largest non-government funder of breast cancer research in the world

• currently manage over 500 active research grants totaling over $285 million

• has supported a broad range of research from basic biology to treatment to survivorship



Link to 2013 Research Fast Facts: http://ww5.komen.org/uploadedFiles/Content/ResearchGrants/GrantPrograms/Overview%202013%2010.17.13%20JM.pdf

Link to HER2 Research: http://ww5.komen.org/uploadedFiles/Content/ResearchGrants/GrantPrograms/Research%20Fast%20Facts%20FY10%20-%20HER2.pdf

Link to Metastasis Research: http://ww5.komen.org/uploadedFiles/Content/ResearchGrants/GrantPrograms/Metastasis%2010-24-2012.pdf

Link to Triple Negative Breast Cancer Research: http://ww5.komen.org/uploadedFiles/Content/ResearchGrants/GrantPrograms/TNBCFINAL.pdf

Link to Vaccine Research: http://ww5.komen.org/uploadedFiles/Content/ResearchGrants/GrantPrograms/ResearchFastFactsVaccine.pdf

Monday, October 28, 2013

Fact or Myth: Is progress being made?


Between 1990 and 2009, breast cancer mortality (death) declined by 33 percent among women in the United States. 30 years ago, the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer was about 74 percent. Today, this number has increased to 98 percent. 

FACT or MYTH: What do you think??

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Komen Grantee: The SOC-IT Program - Screen Out Cancer In Time!!

SOC- IT: Screen Out Cancer In Time!

A Komen funded program brought to you by Milwaukee Health Services



The SOC-IT program of Milwaukee Health Services Clinic on Milwaukee’s northeast side offers

‘Friend for Life’ parties planned with churches, community organizations and individuals living in the neighborhood.



The focus of the ‘Friends For Life’ Party is Komen’s four elements of Breast Self Awareness:



1. Know your risk

2. Get screened

3. Know what is normal for you

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices



Participants spend a fun and informative hour or so discussing breast health in a casual conversational setting. Group discussions and questions are encouraged. Besides discussing basic breast cancer information and dispelling common misperceptions, women in the SOC-IT Program are assisted in accessing breast cancer screening/diagnostic

and financial services they may need. .



The Friends for Life parties are complete with visual aids, informational packages for everyone, a gift basket for the host or door prize and, of course, snacks!



The SOC-IT program contact is Alecka Weber. You can reach her at 414.267-6642 for more program information. Women in need of breast cancer screenings or diagnostic services can reach out to Alecka directly. She has the ability to schedule women who are SOC-IT eligible on the spot, or refer to other resources if eligible.

Friday, October 25, 2013

A Unique Komen Grantee:The Racine Mammogram Coalition

Komen’s Racine Grantee: A Truly Unique Program




The Racine County Mammogram Coalition consists of 6 organizations which each provide

outreach that encourages women to have annual age appropriate screening for breast cancer.

Each partner delivers education with distinct methodology, targeting a separate population.



The RCMC has worked cooperatively for over 3 years to provide outreach services which lead women to have annual mammograms as a tool for early detection. Well-recognized community entities with a combined history of more than 40 years, coalition partners enjoy extensive relationships with the women of Racine County.



Each partner has developed vital cultural competence in meeting the needs of specific groups that has helped the coalition reach more women. The 2011 Komen Community Profile Report cites the rise in percentage of women having mammograms from 44% in 2008 to 72% in 2010. In the 2012-2013 grant year, 545 women referred by RCMC received mammograms.



Building strong relationships and offering needed assistance have established and enforced trust in health care providers which leads more women to seek breast cancer screening. Diverse approaches used to accommodate divergent populations have strengthened the RCMC’s success.



For more information, contact Sarah Clemons at 262.636-9292.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Webinar! Understanding Genetics and Breast Cancer




To REGISTER CLICK HERE:  http://is.gd/RHQd4r

You’ve probably heard that knowing your family history is important when it comes to cancer. In fact, on average, women with inherited risks for breast cancer are diagnosed with their cancers at younger ages, often before age 50. Don’t miss Genetics and Breast Cancer: Knowing Your Risk presented by Eric Fowler, MS, CGC, Certified/Licensed Genetic Counselor at Cancer Treatment Centers of America®.

To REGISTER CLICK HERE:  http://is.gd/RHQd4r


Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Healthy Living - Reducing Health Risks through Healthy (and delicious) Food Choices



Breast Health Awareness has four main components, Knowing your Risk, Getting Screened, Knowing What ‘Normal’ is for You, and Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices.   While each area is important, Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices is the one element completely under your own control!   
Diet and Nutrition play a major role in living a healthy life and research is showing that what we put into our bodies can have a direct impact on our risk of developing breast cancer.  While there is no one magical food remedy, there is compelling science that confirms that certain foods can be considered preventative medicine!  Taking time to become ‘nutritionally aware’ will help you make healthy decisions everyday that will reduce your overall risk of breast cancer, as well as other illnesses.
Here are some ideas (and recipes!) to get you started:

Eat your Veggies…
And your fruits!  In fact aim for 5 servings a day.  In addition to being loaded with fiber and antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, a diet rich in vegetables and fruit helps cut fat from your diet to promote a leaner you and puts less estrogen into your body – all important factors in lowering your risk of breast cancer.
Plant foods also contain a wide variety of cancer fighting substances. 
For example:
Suforaphane, a protective compound found in dark cruciferous vegetables like arugula and red cabbage, targets and kills cancer cells while leaving normal cells in tact!  Brocolli Sprouts are loaded with Suforaphane! 
The beta carotene found in carrots, sweet potato, spinach and kale improve your white blood cell’s ability to patrol for aberrant cells including cancer cells.  
Folic Acid aids the repair of damaged DNA that could cause cancer and is easily accessed in foods such as asparagus, spinach, black beans, and lentils to name a few.

Try adding a harvest of vegetables and fruits into your daily routine.  Besides those mentioned above develop a fondness for dark leafy greens, pumpkin, tomatoes, peas, legumes, winter squash, plums, grapes, berries, oranges, and cantaloupe.

Pasta With Roasted Veggies and Greens
serves 4
  • 2 pints grape tomatoes
  • 4 large garlic cloves, unpeeled
  • 1/2 large red onion sliced large
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 2 T olive oil
  • 1 lb whole wheat or brown rice penne pasta
  • 1/3 C pitted Kalamata olives coarsely chopped
  • 2 large handfuls arugula or spinach  
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Start a large pot of boiling water for the pasta. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Combine tomatoes, garlic cloves, red onion, thyme and olive oil in a bowl. Toss or stir to coat veggies with oil. Place the mixture onto the baking sheet making sure nothing is overlapping too much. Give the mix a little shake of salt and pep. Put into preheated oven and roast until the tomatoes have leached their liquid and are looking lightly browned. The garlic cloves should feel softened. This takes about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, as the veggies are in the oven roasting, add your pasta when the water is boiling. Cook pasta as directed on packaging. Drain the pasta when done, reserving ¼ C of the liquid. Return pasta to pot.
When the veggies are done, collect the garlic cloves. Peel them with a knife, the inside should be soft and easily part with the skin. Smash the garlic down a bit.
To the pasta pot, add the roasted veggies, garlic, olives, and reserved pasta water. Cook on medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, until everything is warmed together. Turn off the heat and stir in the greens you are using.
A bit of shaved hard cheese is a nice finishing touch.


Love the Whole Grain!
Fiber, fiber, fiber!  A digestive tract with a healthy amount of fiber is essential for eliminating cancer causing toxins from your body.  For example, while estrogens are a normal part of our bodies high estrogen levels put you at an increased risk of breast cancer.  Your body naturally tries to usher   estrogens out through the digestive tract.  Fiber in the digestive tract  
                 ‘sticks’ to the free estrogens in the gut and carries them away.  If your digestive tract is high in
                 meats or other non-fiber foods, estrogen can escape and be reabsorbed into your body.
To up your fiber intake reduce or eliminate processed white flours and rice from your diet and replace them with whole grains like brown rice, oats, and quinoa to name a few.

Whole Wheat Pizza Dough Recipe
Ingredients:
  • 1 Tablespoon active, dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons luke warm water
  • teaspoon agave nectar
  • 2 cups 100% whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
Directions:
 Combine yeast, water, and agave nectar in your mixer bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes until bubbly or slightly foamy looking. Add flour, and salt to the bowl and begin mixing on low speed until combined. When combined, turn the mixer speed up to medium and continue mixing until the mix forms a cohesive ball. This takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Once your ball is formed, touch it. If it feels too sticky, add a few more tablespoons of flour. If it looks dry and crumbly, you may need to add a few more tablespoons of water. The dough is just right when you press into it and it doesn’t leave any traces on your hand.
When you dough is ready, brush the ball lightly with olive oil, cover with a kitchen cloth and let sit in the bowl on your countertop for 2 hours. It should almost double in size.
Lightly flour your counter top and press the dough into shape with your hand or use a wooden dough roller. Voila! Homemade pizza dough!
Top with veggies, low fat meats and cheeses, and your favorite pizza sauce!

Be Full of Beans!
In an arm wrestling match between beans and meats, beans will win everytime!  The lower fat content, great fiber, and bunch of cancer fighting nutrients found in Legumes make this an easy contest.  Use beans whole in soups, on salads, or as a side dish.  Combine them with brown or wild rice or whole grain pastas for an excellent source of protein.   Blend them into a spread or dip to dress up a sandwich or veggie platter.  Indeed a magical fruit!

Hearty Lentil and Veggie Soup  

Ingredients 
1 onion 3 tbsp of olive oil
2 carrots  2 stalks celery
2 cloves garlic   1 bay leaf
2 large fresh tomatoes   2 cups dry lentils
8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth   1/2 cup spinach
1/4 tsp ground turmeric    1/8 tsp ground black pepper

Directions
Place large pot with olive oil over medium heat. Chop onions, carrots and celery and add to pot.
 Cook and stir until onion is tender. Mince garlic and pour into soup. Add bay leaf, and cook for 2 minutes.
 Stir in lentils, water and diced tomatoes, and bring to a boil.
 Reduce heat, and simmer for at least 1 hour. Then, rinse and thinly slice spinach and stir into pot until cooked. Season soup with turmeric and black pepper for flavor, and serve!

Channel Your Inner Squirrel!
Nuts and seeds are a wonderful addition to a healthy diet and an excellent non-meat protein source.  Eaten in moderation, nuts and seeds provide unsaturated fats,   a variety of vitamins and minerals, and cancer fighting Omega 3 fatty acids. 
Oatmeal Nut Waffles

1 ½ c whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ tsp. salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups skim milk
¼ c. butter melted
2 Tbsp honey                
1 c. quick cooking oats
1 c. chopped nuts
Sliced peaches or strawberries, optional
Directions
In a  large bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.   Combine eggs, milk, butter and honey; stir into dry ingredients and mix well. Fold in oats and nuts.
Bake in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown.  Garnish with fruit if desired. 
Yields 8 to 10 waffle (about 6-3/4 inches)


Go for an Oil Change
While it is ideal to limit your fat intake and use oils sparingly, make the switch to oils that are high in unsaturated fats        for cooking and dressings.  For high Omega 3’s try delicate flax oil on cold dishes or Walnut oil in a salad or for baking.   Olive oil and sunflower oil are both high in antioxidants and excellent for many uses.  Both rich in monounsaturated fats, Peanut oil has a distinctive taste and high smoke point while Canola oil is a great all-purpose mild flavored oil for baking and sautéing.

Kale Chips
1 pound kale
Olive oil spray
Salt (to taste)
Cayenne pepper and other seasonings such as garlic (to taste)
Directions
Wash and dry the kale. Tear into bite-size pieces. Lay on a cookie sheet and spray with olive oil.
Lightly sprinkle salt and other seasonings over leaves. Use sparingly. Flavor will be strong.
Bake at 350 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes. When it comes out of the oven, kale should be light and crispy like a potato chip.
Yield: 4 servings


Behold the power of Omega 3’s
Omegas 3’s are especially important for your health because they reduce inflammation that can damage tissue and encourage cells –including cancer cells - to grow.  You’ll find Omega 3’s in many nuts, seeds, and legumes, but an especially good source is fatty fish including deep sea fish including salmon, sea bass, halibut, mackerel and sardines.  Aim for 3 to 4 servings of Omega 3’s daily.
Salmon Cake Recipe
makes 4 good sized salmon cakes
takes 5 minutes to prepare, 6 minutes to cook
Ingredients:
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 6 oz canned wild, Alaskan salmon (boneless, skinless)
  • 1/4 of a small onion chopped finely (about 2-3 Tbs)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp dried tarragon (don’t skip this, soo good!)
  • pinch of dried dill
  • pinch of dried parsley
  • small squeeze of lemon if you have it
  • 1 egg
  • 2 Tbs bread crumbs or whole wheat flour
Directions:
Put olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Combine all proceeding ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. The mixture will feel very wet but not soupy.
Reach into bowl and grab a small handful of the mixture (1/4 cup should give you a good amount). Form into a patty with your hands and place directly into warmed skillet. Continue until all salmon mixture is used up.
Cook patties 2-3 minutes on each side. They should be lightly browned on each side.


Keep it Lean, Keep it Healthy
While it may be easier said than done, striving for a healthy body weight is a proactive goal that will reduce your risk of breast cancer.  Excess weight post menopause is a proven breast cancer risk, but adding healthy foods into your diet in the form of tasty and satisfying dishes will help you maintain an ideal weight for a lifetime.  Fat impairs immunity and the body’s ability to defend against cells that turn cancerous.  High fat diets also increase estrogen levels that increase the risk of breast cancer. Try to lower your fat intake overall, aiming for 20 to 30% fat in your diet comprised mainly of unsaturated fats and low fat dairy products.


Use the ideas above to shift your diet in a healthier direction.  Seek out those recipes that help you become a veggie lover, add in the whole grains, go crazy over fruits, beans, and nuts. 


You have the power to lower your breast cancer risk by simply being aware of what you are putting in your body.   Take a proactive role in your own breast health by choosing to incorporate better diet choices into each day.  Every little bit helps…a few nutritional changes here and there will result in a healthier diet and a healthier you for a lifetime.   

Sign up now for Webinar Wednesday...Healthy Living and You!

10-16: Healthy Living & You presented by Sami Papacek

Join Sami Papacek, cancer exercise specialist and fitness educator, in a discussion about what things you can include in your daily activities to work towards a healthier lifestyle!  

1130A to 1230P CT on 10.16!  Register today at https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/4511611022446706433

Monday, October 14, 2013


Fact!  Everyone is at some risk for breast cancer.    The two greatest risk factors for breast cancer are getting older and being a women, so no one is immune. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime with only 8 to 10% of those cases being related to a genetic cause.

Talk to your family (Mom's side and Dad's) to learn about your family health history and talk with your health care provider to determine your personal risk for breast cancer.  Use this information to be proactive in planning Breast Cancer Screenings that are appropriate for you.

Then follow up with those screenings, Know what is normal for you and make Healthy Lifestyle Choices.

Myth Monday!


Happy Myth Monday!  Chime in...Is this statement Fact or Myth??

Friday, October 11, 2013

Follow the Funds Friday: The Southeast Wisconsin Breast Health Assistance Fund





 Komen Grantee Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation
Administrator of Komen’s Southeast Wisconsin Breast Health Assistance Fund

Since April 1, 2010, the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation has administered the Komen granted Southeast Wisconsin Breast Health Assistance Fund.  This fund provides free breast health screenings to individuals residing in Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties, with an annual gross income of less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The purpose of the Fund is to break down barriers to breast health screening and treatment for under and uninsured individuals of all ages and gender.  Approved applicants are able to access care at any of 36 Health Care facilities in the service area.   
The Southeast Wisconsin Breast Health Assistance Fund provides assistance with screening/diagnostic services including clinical breast exams, mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds ductograms, galactograms, and biopsies. For individuals going through Breast Cancer treatment, the Fund can also assist with treatment related co-pays, deductibles, transportation/childcare and some medications.
Testimonials:
“The fund was a blessing to my life, because I was able to get this exam that I been holding off for years, because I don’t have any insurance.  Now I have peace of mind knowing that my breasts are fine.”
“Just wanted to send a “Thank you” to you and the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation.  Having no insurance to cover a mammogram was a huge worry for me.  Having breast cancer fun in my family was an even larger worry for me.  Not only did the foundation help me with the costs of a mammogram, but it gave me something more valuable – peace of mind.”

Need more information or assistance? 

Visit  http://www.wwhf.org/programs/kohls-breast-health-assistance-fund for additional information on the Southeast Wisconsin Breast Health Assistance Fund.   
Or
Call the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation at 1-877-910-PINK (7465) or email wwhf@wwhf.org. to contact the fund directly.

Thursday, October 10, 2013


Take Action Thursdays highlight everyday people who have chosen to take an extra step in the fight against breast cancer.  How will you Take Action?Today, meet Kimberly Mann pictured below with 3 year old Olivia.  See if you can relate as she describes what she calls "many lame excuses" for not getting a mammogram and what inspired her to change all that....



Recently I had my first mammogram at the age of 41 ½. Yes, I delayed getting my mammogram for an entire year and a half despite my increased risk for breast cancer. My maternal grandmother is an 18-year breast cancer survivor. 

One would think that would make me very motivated to have my annual screenings. I have many reasons for not going to get my mammogram; honestly looking back at it, they are all really lame: I’m a healthy person, I exercise every single day, I work full-time, I’m a part-time Master’s student, I have three children in multiple activities, I am busy, busy, busy taking care of everyone else! There just wasn’t time to go and get a mammogram.

This summer I made time to take care of me by getting my first mammogram. What finally motivated me to go? Looking back on it, it was a simple conversation with a group of ladies after my aerobics class. These ladies were complementing me on being a good example to my three year old daughter by taking her to my exercise classes, pushing her in a stroller as I run, towing her behind my bike, and having her swim with me when I swim laps. 


One of my friends was off to get her mammogram after class. She asked me where I go to get my mammogram. I had to answer, “Nowhere, I’ve never been!” My friend turned to me and said, “So much for that good example for your daughter! Go and schedule it today!”

That was all it took, someone pointing out to me that I needed to be a better example to my three-year old daughter. I scheduled my mammogram that very day. I vow to go every single year so that I can be a good example to my daughter. I will take care of me!


Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Webinar Wednesday! Clearing up the Confusion About Screening Guidelines



There is still time to join today's Webinar:Clearing up the Confusion About Screening Guidelines
presented by Dr. Linda Harrison, radiologist at Diagnostic Imaging Centers in Kansas City, MO.
11:30 am to 12:30 pm CT


What Screening is right for you? 
Dr. Harrison will help clarify the sometimes confusing topic of Screening Guidelines.       


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Talk About It Tuesday - Get Screened!





Get Screened!
Women in the United States have a "1 in 8” (or about 12 percent) lifetime risk of getting breast cancer. This means that for every eight women in the U.S. who live to be age 85, one will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. Getting regular screening tests is the best way for women to lower their risk of dying from breast cancer. Screening tests can find breast cancer early, when the chances of survival are highest.
What Screening is right for me?
Regular breast cancer screening is important for all women, but even more so for those at higher risk. If you are at higher risk of breast cancer, you may need to be screened earlier and more often than other women.
A woman is considered at higher risk if she has one factor that greatly increases her risk or several factors that together increase risk. Your health care provider may use different tools to assess your risk and help you make a personalized breast cancer screening plan.
Factors that greatly increase breast cancer risk include:
A mutation (or a first-degree relative with a mutation) in the TP53 or PTEN genes (These gene mutations can lead to Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome. People with one of these syndromes or who have a first-degree relative with one of these syndromes have an increased risk of breast cancer.)
It is important to determine your personal risk.  Talk to both sides of your family about your family health history and talk with your health care provider about your personal risk of breast cancer.  Assessing your risk will help your doctor develop a personalized breast cancer screening plan for you. 
If you are at higher risk talk with your health care provider to determine which screening tests are right for you – and when they should begin.   The tests may include clinical breast exams, mammograms or breast MRI.
Continue the discussion at each visit with your doctor as your family history or personal history may change over time, which may then change your screening plan.
Women at average risk are to:

·         A mammogram every year starting at age 40
·         A clinical breast exam (CBE) at least every three years starting at age 20 and every year starting at age 40
·         Sign up for your screening reminder at www.komen.org/reminder 
There is not a predetermined age to stop having mammograms or CBE’s.  As we age, women who are in good health and could benefit from treatment (if breast cancer were found) should continue to get mammograms. Breast cancer risk increases with age, and mammography does not appear to be less effective, for instance, in women 70 and older.  Women of all ages should continue to talk with their doctors about what screening tests are right for them.
Finally, be aware of breast changes.
You are the best judge of your own body and the best advocate for your health.  Know what is normal for you!  Be aware of the look and feel of your breasts.  Regardless of your age or the date of your last screening, be sure to contact your health care provider anytime you notice any of the following changes in the look or feel of your breasts. 

  • Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
  • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
  • Change in the size or shape of the breast
  • Dimpling or puckering of the skin
  • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
  • Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
  • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
  • New pain in one spot that doesn't go away 

Mammography



Mammography is the best screening tool for breast cancer used today. It can find cancers at an early stage, when they are small (too small to be felt) and chances of survival are highest. However according to a study reported in 2011, only about 50 percent of women age 40 and over WITH insurance received mammograms as recommended.
Susan G. Komen recommends that women at average risk should begin receiving screening mammograms annually at age 40,. For those who are at a higher risk for breast cancer (link to http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/RiskFactorsSummaryTable.html), it is recommended that you speak with your doctor about screening options right for you personal screening recommendations.

The reasons that women choose not to get mammograms are numerous but many simply come from incorrect information.
I don't need a mammogram because . . .

No one in my family has ever had breast cancer.  
The truth is that the majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have NO family history. You can still get breast cancer even if no one in your family has had the diagnosis. The biggest risks for breast cancer are being female and getting older.

Having a mammogram is painful!  
A mammogram does require compression of the breast, which is not always comfortable, but the mammogram should NEVER hurt! Consider getting your mammogram between days seven to 14 of your menstrual cycle.  Well-trained mammography technologists should listen to their patients and should never compress beyond the patient’s comfort level.  Some health systems offer free mammopads - a soft, thin foam cushion - which can also help with comfort.  Let your mammography technologist know if you've had a difficult experience in the past. Let your technologist know if the compression hurts.

I’m too busy for a mammogram, especially since I think they are a waste of time. 
Mammograms are not perfect, but they are the best screening tool we have today for breast cancer.  Some mammograms may show an abnormality that requires additional imaging and a biopsy and no cancer is found. This is called a false positive.  Some women have dense breast tissue or for other reasons,  a cancer may be hidden on a mammogram. This is called a false negative.  However, mammography correctly identifies about 78 percent of women who have breast cancer, and for women 50 and over, mammography correctly identifies about 83 percent of breast cancers correctly. In other words, mammograms save lives – and it is the best screening tool widely available that can find breast cancer early! 
Having a mammogram causes cancer.
A woman is exposed to a small amount of radiation during a mammogram and while the radiation exposure is associated with a higher risk for breast cancer over time, studies show that the benefits of mammography outweigh the risks from radiation exposure.

I don't want to know if I have breast cancer.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the U.S. and the second leading cause of cancer death. Getting regular screening tests is the best way for women to lower their risk of dying from breast cancer. Screening tests can find breast cancer early, when the chances of survival are highest. Over the past 20 years, great progress has been made in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, leading to decreased mortality rates. As a result, the number of breast cancer survivors continues to rise. In fact, there are almost three million breast cancer survivors in the United States today (more than any other group of cancer survivors)!
Get Screened!
1.      Have a clinical breast exam beginning at age 20, at least every three years and annually beginning at age 40.
2.      Have a mammogram annually beginning at age 40.
3.      If you are at a higher risk of breast cancer, talk with your doctor about which screening tests are right for you.
4.      Sign up for your screening reminder at www.komen.org/reminder


Be proactive about your health and get your mammogram.  If not for yourself, then for all those who love you and couldn’t imagine a life without you!