North Central Health District

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted October 2, 2015 by NCHD Admin

Written by: Chris Sikes

As pink ribbons blossom around us in October like the flowers of spring, they help us focus our attention on the importance of breast health and breast cancer awareness.  Those little ribbons also symbolize the brave women and men who have fought a mighty enemy, who symbolize strength and perseverance, and they demonstrate support for those who  feverishly  work to  stop the further spread of this disease that tries its’ best to claim the lives of over 150,000 people in the U.S. annually.

Wearing pink in all forms is a fantastic way to demonstrate support of this annual observance.  However, performing a few quick and easy tasks regularly can literally save lives.  One simple task can be to perform monthly self-breast exams.   Both women and men should perform these monthly exams by checking or feeling their breasts in a systematic and methodical way to familiarize themselves with the normal feel of their breasts. Becoming familiar with the normal feel and look of breast tissue makes it easier to identify areas that may change and no longer look or feel normal over time.  Learning to perform a self- breast exam is very easy and can be taught by a healthcare provider in just a few minutes.  When we think of the high cost of medical care, this is a simple, quick exam that costs nothing but can have a huge impact on early detection and treatment of breast problems.

So, the next time that a pink ribbon is spotted among the October colors, remember that the little pink ribbon serves a mighty purpose.  That small pink ribbon is a reminder to honor those that have fought and continue to fight.  That ribbon reminds us to support breast cancer research so that a cure may be found.  Finally, that ribbon also serves as a reminder to talk to your healthcare provider about some very easy, effective, and important exams that can help in the early detection of breast cancer.  Early detection leads to improved detection and treatment outcomes.

For more information about programs that provide financial assistance in obtaining breast screening and mammograms, contact your healthcare provider or contact your local health department. If you are unsure of where your nearest health department is located, please visit the North Central Health District’s website at: www.northcentralhealthdistrict.org for a complete listing.