Treasure your chest Published Oct. 6, 2011 By Capt. Amy C. Stoots 72nd Medical Group Gynecology Clinic TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- October has been designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual international health campaign designed to raise awareness of breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer, 57,650 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer, and approximately 39,520 breast cancer related deaths in 2011. Although breast cancer death rates have been declining since about 1990, breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The decreases are believed to be the result of early detection, increased awareness, and improved treatment. The early detection five-year survival rates exceed 95 percent, which offers an excellent incentive for women over 40 to get a yearly mammogram. All women are at risk for breast cancer, with the risk of getting breast cancer increasing as you age. Most breast cancers and breast cancer deaths occur in women aged 50 and older with just 5 percent of all breast cancers occurring in women under age 40. No matter your age, everyone should be familiar with how your breasts look and feel and should also be cognizant of the warning signs of breast cancer. The Centers for Disease Control lists the following signs as being most common: · New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit) · Thickening or swelling of part of the breast · Irritation or dimpling of breast skin · Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast · Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area · Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood · Any change in the size or the shape of the breast · Pain in any area of the breast Keep in mind that some of these warning signs can happen with other conditions that are not cancer. Genetic factors or a family history of breast or other cancers, especially in a mother, sister or daughter, significantly increase a person's chance of developing breast cancer. Women diagnosed at a younger age may have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation. Women who carry one of these gene mutations have an increased risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. Non-genetic risk factors for breast cancer include: · Getting older · Being younger (before age 12) when you first had your menstrual period · Starting menopause at a later age (after age 55) · Being older at the birth of your first child · Never giving birth · Not breastfeeding · Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest · Being overweight (increases risk for breast cancer after menopause) · Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone combined) · Using any form of birth control pills, also called oral contraceptives · Drinking alcohol (more than one drink a day) · Not getting regular exercise Until more is known about preventing breast cancer, early detection and effective treatment offer the best defense against breast cancer mortality. For this reason, it is important for women to get a regular screening for breast cancer. Active duty patients at Tinker must call the appointment line at 734-2778 and follow the prompts to leave a message with the gynecology clinic or your primary care manager. Active duty patients require a referral for all mammograms and many mammography providers require a written prescription from your PCM as well. All non-active duty TRICARE beneficiaries age 40 and over are entitled to one screening mammogram a year. You may go to the network provider of choice without a referral or pre-authorization. Tinker is also offering mobile mammography Oct. 14 and 31. The mobile unit will be parked at the Tinker Exchange from 8 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. on both days. This unit is by appointment only and is being offered for those who are symptom free. If interested in scheduling a mammogram with the mobile unit, call the appointment line and ask to leave a message for the gynecology clinic. Further information on breast cancer and associated risk factors can be found at www.cdc.gov or www.cancer.org. Below is a list of local mammography providers, keeping in mind that the list may not be all inclusive: Edmond: · Breast Imaging of Oklahoma, 844-2601; 2601 Kelly Point Parkway, Suite 101 · Diagnostic Radiology, 348-1900; 902 S. Bryant · OU Edmond Regional Medical Center, 271-5533; 1 S. Bryant Ave Midwest City: · Midwest Regional Breast Care Center, 610-8888; 2825 Parklawn Drive · Renaissance Physicians, 732-9115; 1800 S. Douglas Moore: · Moore Medical Center, 912-3550; 700 S. Telephone Rd Norman: · Norman Regional Hospital - Breast Care Center, 307-2290; 901 N. Porter Ave Oklahoma City: · Breast Imaging of Oklahoma, 844-2601; 1800 S. Douglas Blvd · Breast Center at St. Anthony, 685-6671; 535 NW 9th St. Suite 100 (located in the St. Anthony Medical Plaza) · Deaconess Hospital, 604-6104; 5501 N. Portland · Integris Comprehensive Breast Center, 945-0045, 3525 NW 56th · Integris Southwest Breast Health & Imaging Center, 636-7480; 4401 S. Western · OU Physicians Breast Institute; 271-4514; 825 NE 25th Street · Oklahoma Breast Care Center, 755-2273; 13509 N. Meridian, Suite 6 Yukon: · Integris Canadian Valley Hospital, 717-6875; 1201 Health Center Parkway