Every October, the nation celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The goal is to bring awareness for early detection, treatment, and support for those affected by Breast Cancer.
Events, such as walks and fundraisers are held for participants to gather, show support, and help raise funds for education, treatment, and a cure for this disease.
Below is information on the disease, how to spot it, and what we at Med First are doing to support the efforts from around the country.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, is when cancerous cells begin to grow out of control, beginning in the breast.
“Breast cancer cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get breast cancer, too.”
(Source: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html)
According to the CDC, breast cancer is the 2nd most common cancer for women and mostly affects women over the age of 50.
Breast Cancer Symptoms to Look For
If you notice these any of these symptoms, listed by the American Cancer Society, please contact your local health provider:
- Lump or mass in the breast
- Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no lump is felt)
- Skin dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel)
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking, or thickened
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
- Swollen lymph nodes (Sometimes breast cancer can spread to lymph nodes under the arm or around the collar bone and cause a lump or swelling there, even before the original tumor in the breast is large enough to be felt.)
Where can I get more Breast Cancer Information?
Great resources for more information on breast cancer can be found at:
What Med First is Doing For Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Mobile Mammogram – October 31, November 7th – Jacksonville – PIC location and November 21- Chapel Hill location.
For your convenience, we are bringing mammograms to you, at two Med First locations. Whether a weekend or weekday works best for you, we have you covered. Mobile mammograms are a safe option during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just a few of the precautions in place are:
- Letting only one patient in the mammogram coach at a time
- Disinfecting after each patient
- Screening with a COVID questionnaire and temperature check before the mammogram
- The diagnostic team wears a mask during all interactions with patients.
If you need to schedule a consultation to discuss screening for breast cancer, or you would like to schedule a mobile mammogram appointment, visit our locations page to choose a Med First location near you or contact your current Med First primary care provider directly.
