October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is part of an annual campaign that promotes breast cancer awareness. There are more than 200,000 new cases of breast cancer every year in the United States, and more than 3.5 million survivors. Luckily with today’s early detection, screening, prevention, and treatment options, the disease can be beatable– especially if caught early.

Breast Cancer Facts

According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, more than 40,000 women die from breast cancer every year. Breast cancer happens when normal cells start to grow and divide. There are several different types of breast cancer, such as:

• Metastatic breast cancer;
• Ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, and:
• Invasive breast cancer

Breast cancer is typically accompanied by a change in the appearance or feel of the breast (or nipple), as well as changes in nipple discharge. Some other common signs of breast cancer in women include a lump, hard knot, or thickening inside the breast or underarm area, dimpling or puckering of the skin, and swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast.

Early detection is key. Depending on each woman’s risk level for developing the disease, screening recommendations vary. Mammography is an effective screening tool because it can show cancer growth when no symptoms are present, and doing at-home breast exams is another helpful way to detect changes in breast tissue. Every woman should have a discussion with her doctor about screening guidelines.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign not only promotes awareness of the disease, but it also raises money for breast cancer research. Research is integral to learning new and more effective ways to treat breast cancer, as well as how to detect the disease early. The campaign provides numerous resources, like the option to donate money to give a woman in need a mammogram, a breast cancer symptom guide, stories of women and their loved ones who have been affected by the disease, and much more. You can always make a donation and learn more about the breast cancer awareness campaign.

Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Representing Individuals Since 1947

Sometimes, health care providers miss the warning signs of breast cancer, resulting in a delayed diagnosis.  If you are concerned that you doctor’s delayed diagnosis has affected your health, contact one of our firm’s Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers. With offices located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, Galfand Berger serves clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.