October cited as breast cancer month
Regular screening recommended by society

   October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Cancer Society is increasing awareness of the importance of early detection.
   As the second leading cause of death in women, breast cancer will claim an estimated 2,600 lives this year in Texas alone.
   Many of these lives could be saved through early detection. When detected early, the breast cancer survival rate can be as high as 97 percent.
   The American Cancer Society recommends screening procedures such as clinical breast exams about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and yearly mammograms beginning at age 40.
   Other options aiding women with early detection in their 20s are breast self examination and the reporting of any breast change to a health care provider immediately.
   Through clinical breast exams, a physician can sometimes identify a problem that a woman may have overlooked. Though most breast lumps are not cancerous, only a physician can make a diagnosis, the ACS reports.
   Maintaining a healthy body weight, staying physically healthy and limiting alcohol consumption may lower the risk of breast cancer.
   Women at an increased risk should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests or having more frequent exams.
   The Texas Department of Health's breast cancer/cervical cancer screening program offers free mammograms, breast examinations and Pap tests to women who qualify. In addition, Medicare helps pay the cost of a mammogram for women age 40 or older with Medicare Part B. The ACS will conduct its Tell A Friend program throughout October.
   The program enlists volunteers who call their friends and family members and encourage them to schedule a mammogram.
   To volunteer for Tell A Friend, call the ACS at 1-800-ACS-2345. For women diagnosed with breast cancer, the ACS offers patient service programs such as Reach to Recovery, Coping with Breast Cancer support group, Dialogue support group and Look Good, Feel Better.
    For more information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, call 1-800-ASC-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.