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Bucks County Health Department
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer can has touched many lives, whether you have been affected by breast cancer yourself or know someone who has. Both men and women can develop breast cancer; however women are more likely to develop the disease. While anyone is at risk for developing breast cancer, there are several risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing the disease such as increasing age, family history, race, breast density, drinking alcohol, lack of physical activity and obesity after menopause. To help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, you can make changes in your lifestyle such as eating a more balanced diet, getting more exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.
Early detection is the best weapon against breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women over 20 years old conduct a breast self exam. By conducting a breast self exam, a woman will become aware of what is normal for her breasts. Women should ask their doctor about how to properly to conduct a self exam and should report any noticed changes in their breasts. If you notice a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain, or the nipple turning inward, redness or scaliness of the nipple or skin. While it is important to report these changes to a doctor, they are not always signs of cancer. Women in their 20s and 30s should also have a clinical breast exam conducted by the doctor at least once every 3 years. Women over the age of 40 should go for an annual screening mammogram. Women with family history or at high risk for developing breast cancer should work with their doctor to determine the best approach for them.
The Bucks County Department of Health (BCDH) is pleased to educate and reach out to women about breast cancer. Through the Healthy Woman Program, women who are 40 to 64 years of age can receive breast and cervical cancer screenings. This program is available to women without insurance and who meet financial guidelines.
The Bucks County Department of Health wants to show support for those fighting breast cancer by inviting employees and ALL Bucks County residents to wear pink on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. Tables with breast cancer information are set up in all Bucks County Department of Health offices. Breast cancer information will also be available on Thursday, October 2, 2008 in the ACME in Doylestown and on Thursday, October 9, 2008 in the WEGMAN’S in Warrington.
For information on how you can get a free mammogram and Pap test please call (215) 345-3887.