Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in New York State. More than 12,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year in the Empire State, and approximately 3,600 New York women will die from the disease, states JoAnn Nora, Public Health Educator of the Oneida County Health Department.

The good news is that, if breast cancer is found early, it can be effectively treated in 95 percent of the cases. Therefore, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Oneida County Health Department is reinforcing its recommendation for women aged 40 and older to receive annual mammograms and clinical breast exams.

Other conditions that may also place a woman at higher risk for breast cancer are:

* a personal history of breast cancer or of a benign breast disease, called atypical hyperplasia;

* a family history of breast cancer, especially if diagnosed in a relative at a young age. If a close family member such as a mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer, it does not mean that you will get breast cancer yourself. But, it means that you have a higher than average risk;

* the first period occurred before age 12, or last period occurred after age 50; or,

* a positive genetic test result for BRCA1 or BRCA2.

JoAnn Nora also stressed that having one of these risk factors doesn't mean that you will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do not have any risk factors or unusual symptoms.

Breast self-examination is a way to notice any changes in your breasts - changes that could be signs of breast cancer. If you should notice an unusual lump, discharge or any other change, contact your health care provider. Most lumps are not cancerous, but all changes that you find should be checked.

As many as 30 percent of breast cancer deaths could e avoided if all women aged 40 and older receive regular breast cancer screenings. Most insurance companies provide coverage for an annual mammogram and clinical breast exam. For uninsured or underinsured women, Healthy Women Partnerships, located in counties throughout New York State, provide comprehensive breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment at no or low cost.

For more information on the Oneida, Madison and Herkimer Counties 
Healthy Women Partnership, 
contact Judy Logan or Mary Noti at the Oneida County Health Department 
at 520 Seneca Street, Utica, NY 13502, or call (315) 798-5248.

Eric W. Faisst, M.P.H., R.E.H.S
Director of Health

Oneida County Department of Health
Adirondack Bank Building
5th Floor
185 Genesee Street
Utica, New York  13501
(315) 798-6400
Email:  publichealth@ocgov.net

© 2003 Oneida County, New York, USA