October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As September comes to a close, we unite to bring awareness to breast cancer. Every October, citizens all around the United States come together to support and spread the message of Breast Cancer Awareness through charity, clinical breast exams, and mammograms. One in eight women will be diagnosed within their lifetime, according to the National Cancer Institute. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. However, more than 3.3 million women have overcome this disease and are now breast cancer survivors. 

Breast Cancer Warning Signs

With nearly 275,000 new cases every year, about half of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases come from women over the age of 60 and another 20 percent come from women over 70 years old according to Harvard Medical School. Unfortunately, women over 65 who are diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to pass away due to this disease. Visit Face Lift Plastic Surgery for breast implants.

In order to successfully treat breast cancer, it is important to know the warning signs and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Here are 5 breast cancer warning signs to look for when self-examining:

1. Possible lump in breast, underarm, or collar. – The most common sign to look for when looking for a sign of breast cancer is a breast lump. Lumps can appear on the breast itself, near the collarbone, or even in your underarm near your armpit area. Lumps can range from tender and painful to hard and painless. If you feel a lump in your breast, collarbone, or underarm, it is important to contact your doctor right away for a thorough examination. 
2. Pain in your breast. – Due to hormonal changes, it may be normal to have tenderness around your breasts. However, this pain can be another warning sign of breast cancer, especially if the pain lasts for a few weeks. 
3. Swelling in the breast. – Similar to the location of a lump, breast swelling can occur around your breast area, underarm, or collarbone. Swelling can be a sign of possible breast cancer and can appear in one breast or in both.
4. Noticeable changes in nipples. – If you notice a change in one or both nipples, this is another warning sign of breast cancer. This can include bloody discharge or irritation that may cause your nipple to become red, scaly, or thick.
5. No symptoms at all. – Unfortunately, some women that become diagnosed with breast cancer show no symptoms at all. Remember to follow screening guidelines and visit your doctor annually for breast screenings. The current screening recommendations according to the American Cancer Society are as follows:
   1. Women ages 40-44 should have the choice to have an annual breast exam and mammogram if they would like. 
   2. Women ages 45-54 should have annual mammograms.
   3. Women 55 and older can either continue their annual mammograms or have a mammogram every two years instead. 

As always, for any questions or concerns you may have, we recommend you speak to your doctor for a thorough examination and diagnosis. 

At 24/7 Nursing Care, we strive to bring awareness to all different types of diseases that can seriously impact you or your loved ones. You can show your support as well by bringing awareness to diseases like breast cancer. Donate, use your voice, and become directly involved with charities to show your support and increase the knowledge of breast cancer awareness month to those around you! 

We understand how difficult it can be to care for a loved one who is constantly needing treatment. With 24/7 Nursing Care’s in-home referral services, we can have professional and qualified nurses take care of your loved one in the comfort of their own home. When you can’t be left alone, invite us into your home. ® Call our Miami-Dade office at (786) 518-3622 or our Broward county office at (954) 949-1332 for more information on how we can assist you.