October's special focus on breast cancer reminds us that all women are at risk for the disease. In 1995, an estimated 146,000 American women will die of the disease. An additional 182,000 new cases will be diagnosed. Unfortunately, there are no known measures to prevent breast cancer from occurring. The next best thing is to detect it at its earliest, most curable stage. Screening mammography is the most efficient means of achieving this goal.
"One of our main objectives is to educate women on the importance of breast health," said Debra Monticciolo, director of breast imaging at the Winship Cancer Center. "We advocate a three-step approach that includes screening mammography, annual clinical breast exams, and monthly self-breast exam." Monticciolo recommends a screening mammogram and clinical breast exam every year after age 40 for asymptomatic women. Women with a family history or an increased risk should consult their physician on screening. Asymptomatic women age 20-40 should get a clinical breast exam by a health care professional at least once every three years. Anyone who finds a lump, abnormal thickening or unusual breast changes should call her physician to determine the need for diagnostic testing.
Active participation in one's own health care is essential. Caught early enough, breast cancer is curable. A study by breast imaging experts at Winship Cancer Center on breast cancer patients at both Emory Hospital and Grady Hospital proved that mammographically-discovered cancers consistently were less advanced than the cancers found clinically. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of the cancers were not found by mammography, but by the women themselves. Thus, despite proven benefits as well as the untiring efforts of several national organizations to increase awareness, screening mammography remains underused.
Activities at Winship Cancer Center for Breast Cancer Awareness Month will kick off with a Women's Health Forum on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 6 p.m. in the Emory Hospital Auditorium. Emory physicians will answer questions and address controversial topics such as the effect of hormone replacement therapy on breast cancer development, genetic testing for BRCA genes, and risk factors for breast and other gynecologic cancers. Special Touch breast health classes, a one-hour course on clinical breast exam, mammography and self breast exam, will be offered at various times the week of Oct. 23 at Winship Cancer Center and Crawford Long Hospital. Participants will receive a coupon for a low-cost screening mammogram, pap test and pelvic exam. Call 778-7744 to register.
Kate Egan is public relations manager for the Winship Cancer Center. "Wellness" is coordinated by the Seretean Center for Health Promotion.