Breast Cancer Awareness Month #ThinkPink

Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women of every race and ethnicity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 245,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and more than 40,000 die from the disease.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: General Information, Signs, and Symptoms

The Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign strives to educate and promote awareness of the disease in order to save lives. With nearly 250,000 new cases annually, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are essential. There are many different kinds of breast cancers, but invasive lobular carcinoma and invasive ductal carcinoma are the two most common.

In some cases, breast cancers come with early warning signs. One of the best ways to detect changes is by performing monthly self-breast exams at home. Here are just a few signs and symptoms associated with breast cancers that are important to look out for:

• Nipple discharge of any kind, but especially bloody or clear discharge;
• A change in the nipple or breast appearance. This includes dimpling, unexplained swelling or shrinkage, recent asymmetry, a nipple that is inverted or turns slightly, skin that becomes red, scaly, or swollen, and/or unexplained changes in the shape or size of the breast;
• A lump or thickened tissue in or near the underarm or breast area, and:
• Nipple tenderness

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we recommend making an appointment with a doctor. Experiencing symptoms does not mean you have breast cancer, but it is important to get checked out by a medical professional.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancers

Certain women face higher risks for developing breast cancer than others do. Some known risk factors include a family (or personal) history of breast cancer, being 50-years-old or older, physical inactivity, high rates of alcohol consumption, having dense breast tissue, and previous treatment involving radiation therapy. Despite breast cancer being one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women, medical professionals still make mistakes in screening, diagnosing and treating it.

Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines from the American Cancer Society

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month rapidly approaching, now is the time to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you are behind on your check-ups. The American Cancer Society’s most recent screening guidelines say that women should have yearly mammograms starting at the age of 45. The organization recommends mammograms every other year for women who are 55-years-old or older.

The earlier breast cancer is detected and treated, the better the prognosis. When a doctor deviates from the generally accepted standard of care and it causes harm to the patient, it is advisable to talk to an attorney about the possibility of filing a medical malpractice claim. If you have questions about when to file a medical malpractice claim, we can help. Contact a representative at our firm directly.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP Representing Injured Individuals Since 1947

If you have a legal question or concern, please contact our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys. Galfand Berger has offices located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, and we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, call us at 800-222-8792 or complete our online contact form.