By Curtis Thill, M.D.

 

The pink ribbons have returned to storefronts, football fields and front porches across southern Indiana. For those engaged in healthcare, they’re a welcome sight. This is especially true considering that about one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. 

That’s a bit startling, but the news is by no means all bad: when breast cancer is found early – before it spreads – the five-year survival rate soars to about 99 percent. 

What then is the best first step to help push the odds more in your favor? 

When you see a pink ribbon this October, here are two things to consider: if you haven’t done it already, you should initiate a conversation with a medical professional who can bust the myths about breast cancer and help reduce any fears. You need facts, not myths. Second, if you’ve already had the conversation—which is likely going to include some advice on what age and how you should be screened—is to make sure you actually do it. 

As a physician with more than three decades of practicing in our region, I’ll be the first to tell you: screening and mammogram recommendations differ a bit on some details. That’s one reason why it’s good to have that conversation and sort things out for what’s best for you.

If you’re still researching, here’s a good place to start. Susan G. Komen, the national breast cancer organization, sums up the path to early detection in four simple steps (https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/). 

1 – Know your risk

Start with your family story. Talk with relatives on both sides. Tell your provider if a parent, sister or daughter had breast or ovarian cancer, especially before age 50. General recommendations suggest that every woman have a risk assessment—that conversation I’m talking about–by age 25. 

2 – Get screened

If you find mammogram screening advice a bit confusing, not to worry. While most recommend regular screenings beginning at age 40, some differ in terms of timing, type, and frequency. 

Here’s what I tell my patients: the experts are debating how often, not whether. By 40, sit down with your provider and make a plan. For most women, that means a mammogram every one or two years for as long as you’re in good health.

As part of that plan, ask about breast density. Nearly half of women have dense tissue, which is normal but can hide cancers. Your report is now required to tell you whether yours is dense. If it is, ask whether 3D mammography, ultrasound, or an MRI makes sense for you.

3 – Know what’s normal for you

Self-exams by themselves aren’t considered a primary screening tool, but you’re still the best one to know when something feels different. Call your provider if you find a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm; swelling, warmth or redness; dimpling or puckering of the skin; a nipple that pulls inward or has sudden discharge; or a new pain in one spot that won’t go away. The good news? Most changes turn out to be harmless, but only an exam can tell you so. The point? When something is significantly different, don’t wait for your next scheduled screening. Get peace of mind now.

4 – Make healthy choices

Stay active, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol, talk with your provider before using menopausal hormones, and breastfeed if you can. None of these guarantees protection, but each tips the odds more in your favor.

A word of encouragement

Fear, cost and busy schedules keep many women from making that life-saving appointment. At Southern Indiana Community Health Care, we can help you get the facts about risk, arrange screening, and find low- or no-cost options. (Komen’s free helpline, 1-877-GO-KOMEN, also offers support in English and Spanish.)

The pink ribbons are flying. This month make one call, for yourself or for someone you love. Bust up the myths and get the facts.  Peace of mind is worth it.

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Dr. Curtis Thill is a board-certified family physician who has cared for the Crawford County region for more than 30 years.