The CDC estimates that 226,870 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 39,510 women will die of cancer of the breast in 2012. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides the majority of it's screening services to minority females, many who are also low-income individuals. These same minority and low-income populations are more likely to have lower screening rates. In 2011, only 2,114 female residents in public housing using primary care services received a breast cancer screening, which is 50% less than in previous years. Screening decreases may be due to recent screening guidelines to discuss need for screening with doctor before undergoing screening (presented by the American Medical Association). Click here to view breast cancer statistics.

Cancer is a disease in which cells become abnormal and form more cells in an uncontrolled way. With breast cancer, the cancer begins in the tissues that make up the breasts. The cancer cells may form a mass called a tumor. Getting a mammogram (x-ray of the breast) can help find the cancer early. This gives a woman more treatment options and makes it more likely she will survive the cancer.

African-American women are more likely than all other women to die from breast cancer. Their tumors often are found at a later, more advanced stage. So, there are fewer treatment options. Some other reasons for this may include, not being able to get health care or not following-up after getting abnormal test results. Other reasons may include distrust of the health care system, the belief that mammograms are not needed, or not having insurance. Also, research has shown that African-American women are more likely to get a form of breast cancer that spreads more quickly. To view more information about minority women and breast cancer click here.

Mayo Clinic writes that after skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Although breast cancer can occur in both men and women, it is far more common in women. Increased public support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped to improve the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Earlier detection, new treatments and a better understanding of the disease have resulted in better breast cancer survival rates. To learn more about breast cancer screening click here.

In rural South Carolina, where many African American women have limited access to lifesaving medical screenings, the risk of cancer-related death is a complex public health problem. After being introduced to The Guide to Community Preventive Services (The Community Guide), one community health center in the state confronted this challenge head on. Using a combination of the Community Preventive Services Task Force's (Task Force) recommended clinic and community-based interventions, the St. James-Santee Family Health Center launched Black Corals, a program to increase breast and cervical cancer screenings and help local women take charge of their health.

For men:

New Canadian research finds that male partners of women with breast cancer aren't big fans of spousal support groups and instead choose to de-stress by exercising or hanging out with friends. For the study, published in the July edition of Oncology Nursing Forum, men in Edmonton and Saskatoon answered questions about how they dealt with their partners' breast cancer. Many said they struggled to remain hopeful. Click here to finish reading the article. 

For women:

Learning that you have breast cancer can change your life and the lives of those close to you. These changes can be hard to handle. It's normal for you, your family, and your friends to need help coping with the feelings that such a diagnosis can bring.

Concerns about treatments and managing side effects, hospital stays, and medical bills are common. You may also worry about caring for your family, keeping your job, or continuing daily activities.

As of 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has updated their 2002 recommendations to evaluate U.S. breast cancer screening strategies. The results are intended to contribute to practice and guideline policy debates. The studies reveal that a screening every two years "achieves most of the benefit of annual screening with less harm". Decisions on frequency of breast cancer screenings are individually unique and may be based on differences in consideration of benefits, harms, and resources. For the full report, click here.  

National Health Education Week

Since 1995, National Health Education Week (NHEW) has been celebrated during the third week of October.  This celebration focuses national attention on a major public health issue and promotes consumers' understanding of the role of health education in promoting the public's health.  

Click above for more information

West End Medical Center is hosting a fabulous event to encourage women to take charge of their health. Free breast cancer screenings will be available as well as other activities for ladies to enjoy. This innovative method of community outreach, combined with health promotion is a good example to follow!

Stop by and enjoy:

• Health Screenings
• Mini Massages
• Natural Manicures
• Refreshments
• Door Prizes
• and much more