October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Women will be diagnosed with breast caner in her lifetime.
Early Detection is Key
When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms. There are over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
Risk Factors
Alcohol – Breast cancer risk increases with the amount of alcohol a woman drinks
Smoking – Smoking is associated with a small increase in breast cancer risk
Obesity – Being overweight is associated with increase risk of breast cancer
Prevention Tips
Good News About Breast Cancer
In recent years, there has been a gradual reduction in female breast cancer rates in women 50 and older. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining too, due to better screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options.
Screenings for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer screening exams help find breast cancer at an early stage, when the chances for successfully treating the disease are greatest. The screening recommendations below apply to average-risk women. Women at increased risk may need different test or may need to be tested more often.
Free breast cancer screenings are available to all eligible Carpenters Fund Participants and their enrolled dependents through MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. Call 855.MDA.COOPER for more information.
PLEASE NOTE: Screenings are covered under Independence Administrators. If you cannot make it to MD Anderson at Cooper for a screening, please visit the Blue Cross website to search for a provider near you.
