Alert
Focus on Breast Health
October 4, 2007

Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American women.  Age, obesity, genetics, and family history are all factors that can impact a woman’s risk of developing this disease.  Many women who develop breast cancer, however, do not have any of the risk factors commonly listed.

Fortunately, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.  Regular breast self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammograms are also very important since treatments for breast cancer are most effective when it is found early.

How can breast cancer be detected?

• Mammogram: A special x-ray of the breast that can often find cancers that are too small for a woman or her doctor to feel. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that women who are 40 or older should have a screening mammogram every 1 to 2 years.
• Clinical Breast Exam: The doctor or other health care professional checks the breasts and underarms for lumps or other changes that could be a sign of breast cancer.
• Breast Self-Exam:  Get to know how your breasts look and feel.  If you see or feel any changes, tell your doctor, nurse, or health professional right away.

What are the local resources for early detection?

American Cancer Society – BEST Program
621-BEST (2378) or 1-800-227-2345
Breast Education, Screening and Treatment
www.cancer.org

Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (BCCP)
(614) 645-1671 or Toll Free (866) 418-4963 - For women ages 40 and older with low income and no insurance of any kind.  Serves Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union Counties. 

Columbus Cancer Clinic 
(614) 263-5006 -  Screening Mammography and Clinical Breast Exam                                 www.columbuscancerclinic.org

Ohio Health Cancer
(614) 566-4321-  Mammography, Education, Referral, and Support 
www.ohioheatlh.com

More Information

National Cancer Institute 
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)  TTY: 1-800-332-8615
www.cancer.gov

The Susan G. Komen Beast Cancer Foundation 
1-800-I’M AWARE 
www.komen.org