October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our newsletter focuses on symptoms to look out for, risk factors you can control and the best way to find breast cancer early.

It is important to note that breast cancer does not only affect women. About 1 out of 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the United States are found in men. At Premier, we encourage you to educate yourself and your loved ones on breast cancer and early detection.

Symptoms: Please note that in some cases, people may not experience any symptoms at all. It is important to get an annual check by your doctor. The symptoms that you can look out for are:

• Any change in size or shape of your breast
• A new lump in the breast or underarm
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Pain in the area of the breast
• Discharge (including blood) *excluding breast milk
• Flaky skin or redness in the breast

Risk factors you can change to help reduce risk:

• Physical activities: working out and moving your body can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. People, who are not physically active, can increase their risks.
• Drinking less alcohol: Studies have shown that the risks are higher with the more alcohol you drink.
• Monitoring hormone replacement therapy: some forms of hormone replacement therapy (that include progesterone and estrogen) that are taken during menopause can raise the risk for breast cancer when they are taken for 5 years or longer.
• Weight after menopause: older woman who are overweight or obese after menopause have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
• Reproductive history: women who have their first pregnancy after age 30, do not breastfeed, and never have a full-term pregnancy can raise their breast cancer risk.

Mammograms:

Mammograms are the best way to learn about early detection. The earlier you are able to detect breast cancer, the easier it is for doctors to treat.

Premier wants to help you live a long and healthy life. Talk to your Premier home care aide if you feel you need to get a checkup. They can assist you in making a doctor’s appointment and give you the support you need.

For more information contact:

Premier Home Health Care Services, Inc.
www.premierhomehealthcare.com