October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month for over 40 years. It is a global campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer, increase screenings, and provide critical support for patients and survivors. Breast cancer affects 2.3 million women worldwide.
According to the American Cancer Society breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. It is estimated that about 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in 2025.
But there is hope. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. reports that the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 99%. Advances in early detection and treatment methods have significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years. Currently, there are over four million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
Know the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
The most common sign is a new lump or mass in the breast, but other early indicators of breast cancer may include:
- 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 under the arm or near the collarbone
These symptoms could signal breast cancer or other health concerns. It is important to have any new breast mass, lump or other change checked by an experienced healthcare professional so that the cause can be found and treated if needed.
The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) offers qualifying women free breast and cervical exams. Since 1995, this program has provided essential screenings, including mammograms and pap tests, to qualified women in Illinois. Eligibility Criteria Include:
- Residency in Knox, Warren, or Henderson County
- Must be without insurance or with insurance that does not cover breast and cervical cancer screenings
- Age between 40-65 for complete breast exam and mammograms, age between 21-64 for pap test and pelvic exams
- Assistance is available for those with a high insurance deductible
The Knox County Health Department has a Clinical Patient Navigator available to help enrolled patients access timely screenings, diagnostic services, and treatment continuity. For more information on breast health and available programs, please contact the Knox County Health Department at (309) 344-2224 or visit our website at www.knoxcountyhealth.org.
***Courtesy of the Knox County Health Department***
