A Woman's Priority - Maintaining Good Breast Health

• According to the National Cancer Institute, breast health should be a first priority for women. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age beginning at age 40. The chance of getting breast cancer over the next 10 years is 1 in 257 for women between the ages of 30-39, 1 in 67 for women between the ages of 40-49, 1 in 36 for women between the ages of 50-59, and increases to 1 in 28 for women between the ages of 60-70. Take this information seriously. Talk to your doctor and schedule a mammogram.

• Breast cancer occurs less often in African-American women but they have a higher mortality rate if they get the disease. Don't delay or make excuses. This is too important. Get more information by calling the American Cancer Society helpline at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visiting the Web site at www.cancer.org. Many support groups are also out there, call Sisters Network, Inc. at (866) 781-1808 or visit the Web site at www.sistersnetworkinc.org or SHARE at 1-866-891-2392 or visit the Web site at www.sharecancersupport.org.

• Cost should not be an issue. Medicare, Medicaid and most private health plans cover all or part of breast cancer screening and diagnostic testing. Cancer screening is now more available to women without health insurance for free or little cost through a national program called the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. The New York State Department of Health will have information about this program. Call 1-800-227-5753 or visit www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/bcctp/bcctp.htm. There is another program to help pay for breast cancer treatment for women in need. Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1-888-842-6355 or visit www.cdc.gov/cancer.

Live a healthy lifestyle:

• Aim for a healthy weight, especially important in post-menopausal women.
• Be physically active every day. Walk, run, etc.
• Adopt good eating habits. Instead of red meats, substitute chicken, fish, nuts and beans. Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of grains or whole grains.
• Limit fat and calorie intake.
• Limit alcohol consumption to no more than one alcoholic drink per day.
• Feel as good as you can each and every day.

All women should be aware that the risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, starting at about age 40. Women who have a mother or sister who had breast cancer are at higher risk. Most women who develop breast cancer, however, have no risk factors. For that reason, it is important to take care of yourself by obtaining screening exams.

• Know your health and family history when it comes to breast cancer.
• Share information with your doctor and caregivers.
• Maintain copies and accurate records of your results with each screening and other tests, such as biopsies.
• Get a diagnosis and a second opinion when necessary.
• Know your insurance information and coverage.
• Make sure the mammography facility you choose or are referred to is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Food and Drug Administration.
• Bring other films and mammography results to your mammogram appointment.
• When it concerns your health always ask questions.

If you haven't done so, schedule a mammography today -- Please! It's a giant step towards maintaining good breast health.