Awareness about breast cancer: experts give tips for early detection | News

TOMAHAWK, Wis. (WJFW) – October brings things like fall activities, Halloween, and breast cancer awareness. Early detection can help save a person’s life. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States, and one in eight women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 313,510 new cases of breast cancer have occurred in both men and women so far in 2024, including 310,720 in women. Mammography screening can help detect cancer early.

“We recommend that you do this annually, especially if you have a history of cancer in your family, especially breast cancer in first-degree relatives such as a parent, grandparent, sister, etc.,” said Danielle Polegra, Advanced Nurse Practitioner at Aspirus Tomahawk.

Regular examinations at home, such as: Activities such as breast massaging can help determine whether a person should see a professional if they have concerns.

“If they feel any lumps or bumps, notice changes in the skin on the breast, changes in the discharge or discharge from the breast, those are things they should come in and get checked out for,” Polegra said.

Women ages 40 to 65 are recommended to have annual mammography screening. If you have a family history of breast cancer, screenings can start earlier.

“Especially for family members who have had breast cancer at a young age, under the age of 50, these screenings can sometimes begin as early as age 30,” Polegra said.

If you or someone you know has scheduled or is planning to get screened, Polega has some tips ahead of time.

“So usually just a fresh shower, no creams, lotions or anything like that applied to the body. We usually tell women who still have a menstrual cycle to schedule it at least a week afterward so that the breasts are less sensitive when needed. “Get the mammogram,” Polegra said.

For more information about breast cancer, a person should contact their doctor.

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