As many are well aware, October is breast cancer awareness month. The purpose of this month is to help raise awareness and raise money to help in the fight against breast cancer. It is also a time to educate the public and stress the importance of early detection, for both men and women.
Breast cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2015 there will be 231,840 new cases of breast cancer among women, with 40,290 of those cases resulting in death.
Mammograms are typically recommended starting at the age of 40. However, if you have any of these following symptoms, make sure to follow up with your physician right away:
- Change in the size or the shape of the breast
- Dimpling/Puckering of the skin
- Redness, swelling, warmth, or darkening of the breast
- Itchy, scaly sore or a rash on the nipple
- A lump, hard knot, or thickening inside the breast or underarm region
- Sudden onset of nipple discharge
- Pain in one spot on the breast that doesn’t go away
Though this month tends to focus on women, it’s important to realize men can be affected by breast cancer as well, and both genders should be aware of the signs and know their risks, implementing an early detection plan.
Since community awareness is imperative, the office of Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. David A. Bottger would like to encourage everyone to get involved and show their support for this great cause. Go Pink!