October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Below is a listing of various statistics concerning breast cancer from the American Cancer Society and Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Risk Factors
Women are at a higher risk for breast cancer when they:
• Are over age 50.
• Have a history of breast cancer in their close family.
• Have their first child after age 30.
• Have never had any children.
• Weigh 40% more than their ideal body weight.

Warning Signs
Warning signals that may be detected by monthly breast self-examinations include the following:
• A lump in the breast that does not go away.
• An unusual increase in the size of one breast.
• One breast unusually lower than the other.
• Puckering or dimpling of the breast.
• Drawing back or turning of the nipple.
• A nipple rash or a change in nipple skin texture.
• Swelling or thickening found in breast or under armpit.
• Pain or tenderness of the nipple.

Early Detection
The American Cancer Society and Veterans Memorial Hospital suggest the following action plan for early breast cancer detection at the following ages:
20 years and younger
• Perform a monthly breast self-exam.
20 to 40 years of age
• Perform a monthly breast self-exam.
• Have a breast exam by a physician every three years.
• Have a first time mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40.
Over age 40
• Perform a monthly breast self-exam.
• Have a breast exam by a physician every year.
• Have a mammogram every year.
For more information, call the Veterans Memorial Hospital Radiology Department at 563-568-3411. The Radiology Department has extended its hours into the evening to allow for  easier scheduling of mammograms.