National Mammography Day : October 18, 2013

In 2009, the USA National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) celebrated its 25th anniversary. Since its inception, NBCAM has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and has evolved along with the national dialogue on breast cancer. Today, NBCAM recognizes that although many great strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. As NBCAM celebrates its 25th anniversary, they remain dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health by practicing regular self-breast exams to identify any changes, scheduling regular visits and annual mammograms with their healthcare provider, adhering to prescribed treatment and knowing the facts about recurrence.

The third Friday in the USA in October each year is National Mammography Day, first proclaimed by President Clinton in 1993. On this day, or throughout the month, women are encouraged to make a mammography appointment. In 2013, National Mammography Day will be celebrated on October 18^th.

Wear it pink, even if it is only a pink ribbon. When you do you join forces with scientists, researchers, supporters and people affected by breast cancer all over the work.

Sadly, one in eight women will still be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

The following is from http://www.breastcancercampaign.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-symptoms

Checking your breasts regularly can be crucial to early diagnosis; when the chances of successful treatment are greatest.

Stay breast aware and follow these five easy steps:

Know what is normal for you

Look and feel your breasts (upper chest and armpits too)

Know what changes to look for (see signs and symptoms)

Report any changes without delay to your GP

Make sure you attend breast screening if you’re 50 or over.

What should I be looking for?

Everyone’s breasts are different; altering with age and at different times of the month. Lookout for changes that are unusual for you, such as:

Breasts

Lumps or thickening of breast tissue

Continuous pain

One breast becomes larger or lower

Puckering or dimpling of the skin

Nipples

Becoming inverted (turned in), changing shape or position

Developing a rash, crusting or producing discharge

Armpits

Swelling under the armpit or around the collarbone

Continuous pain

Not all lumps are cancerous

They may be benign cysts or overgrowth of tissue

But it is always important to report any changes to your GP

END

If you are at the recommended age for a mammogram but have not yet booked one, now is the time to do it.

A mammogram is a special type of X-ray taken to look for abnormal growths or changes in breast tissue. It’s a key tool in breast cancer detection, though no test is perfect. Most abnormal mammogram results aren’t breast cancer, but more testing is required to make sure. The bottom line: Don’t panic, but do get the follow-up tests.

A Breast ultrasound. Doctors sometimes use ultrasound images to check whether a breast lump is a cyst (a fluid-filled sac that is not cancer) or a solid mass.

Breast Cancer Gala Dinner

The Cayman Islands Breast Cancer annual Gala Dinner will take place on 5^th October at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. The guest speaker is  Hoda Kotb from the Today Show. Previous guest speakers have included Giuliana and Bill Rancic. Tickets sell out early, and the evening features a live auction of some high quality items and experiences.

Sponsors include Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital, Butterfield, Dart Enterprises, CTCA (Cancer Treatment Centers of America) and Pinnacle Media.

If you miss out this year, book early for next year and continue to support the cause by donating funds and displaying your pink ribbon.