Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Savannah Encourages Early Detection and Health Vigilance

Breast Cancer Awareness in Savannah: A Call to Action

In the charming city of Savannah, a serious health topic is making waves this October. As we step into Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s crucial to understand the realities and statistics surrounding breast cancer, a disease that affects many women across the United States.

Did you know that breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women, right after skin cancer? It stands as the second leading cause of cancer death in women, following lung cancer. Each year, around 240,000 women in our nation receive a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer, tragically leading to approximately 40,000 deaths annually. However, there is a silver lining; currently, nearly 4 million breast cancer survivors are living proof that early detection and treatment make a significant difference.

Understanding the Importance of Early Detection

It’s widely acknowledged that the sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. Early detection can lead to less aggressive treatment options and significantly improve survival rates. A key aspect of this proactive approach is personal health awareness and regular breast screening.

For the vast majority, early detection just involves an annual screening mammogram. But understanding your unique risk factors and health history can further help define your individual risk profile for breast cancer. Common risk factors might include genetics, age, and lifestyle choices, but let’s delve a little deeper into what these mean.

Know Your Risk Factors

Beyond the typical risk factors which you can’t change, such as family history and gender, there are also several modifiable factors that can make a difference. Making healthier lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and minimizing alcohol consumption, can potentially reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Staying informed about your health is essential!

So how do you know if you are at a HIGH RISK for breast cancer? If you’re receiving a mammogram at St. Joseph’s/Candler, every patient completes a thorough Cancer IQ assessment that evaluates personal and family health history, along with pertinent details such as breast density and previous biopsies. This comprehensive approach helps determine a Tyrer-Cuzick score: the higher the score, the higher the potential risk.

Taking Action: High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic

High-risk patients have options! They might consider increased surveillance through additional screenings such as MRI or ultrasound. To assist patients in navigating these waters, St. Joseph’s/Candler has launched a High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic, under the expert management of Margie McClellan, RN. Here, patients can receive tailored advice on their long-term breast health.

With the integral support of a dedicated breast cancer management team, patients can discuss genetic testing, receive personalized recommendations, and develop unique cancer prevention plans based on their medical backgrounds. Remember, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about health, especially since many women are diagnosed with breast cancer without any family history. Being aware of your health and that of loved ones can save lives.

Mark Your Calendar: Mammography Day

In the spirit of early detection, St. Joseph’s/Candler is hosting its annual Mammography Day on Monday, October 28. Mammograms will be available at six convenient locations throughout Savannah, including St. Joseph’s Hospital and Candler Hospital’s Telfair Pavilion. If you haven’t scheduled yours yet, don’t hesitate! Just call 912-819-PINK (7465) to register.

If that date doesn’t work for you, fret not! You can always schedule a screening mammogram by calling 912-819-6800 for a convenient appointment. And if you’re curious about the High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic, reach out to them at 912-819-7630.

As we embrace October, let’s commit to taking care of ourselves and educating those around us about the importance of breast health. After all, awareness is the first step toward prevention!