October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which encourages the medical community and public at large to share valuable knowledge about breast cancer, a commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, and prioritize early detection practices. Early detection is essential in the fight against breast cancer, as recognizing the signs of breast cancer and taking proactive steps to address the disease are key to ensuring successful treatment. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed across the country, with nationwide campaigns and events to involve people everywhere. Read on to learn more about the importance of early detection in breast cancer treatment and discover how Midwest Express Clinic participates in efforts to increase awareness and can be a valuable resource in your health journey.
Why Early Detection Matters in The Fight Against Breast Cancer
Early detection is the most effective strategy in the fight against breast cancer. When breast cancer is identified in its earliest stages, treatment is often less invasive, and recovery is typically quicker than when the disease is more advanced. Timely diagnosis leads to improved outcomes for breast cancer patients, increasing survival rates, and quality of life. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer is more than 99%. That statistic alone highlights why routine breast cancer screenings and timely medical follow-ups are so important in the battle against breast cancer.
At Midwest Express Clinic, urgent care providers understand that awareness and prevention go hand in hand. Midwest Express Clinic providers promote women’s health awareness by helping patients understand their breast cancer risk, offering personalized screening recommendations and helping connect patients with medical specialists when needed.
Identifying Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing the symptoms of breast cancer and understanding the risks associated with this disease. Raising awareness about the signs and symptoms is essential, as early detection can lead to more effective treatment and help reduce breast cancer mortality. While many women are familiar with the pink ribbon as a symbol of hope and support, it’s just as important to know what to look for when it comes to changes in your own breast health.
Some of the most common symptoms of breast cancer include the appearance of a new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in the shape or size of the breast, skin dimpling or puckering, nipple discharge (other than breast milk), and persistent breast pain. However, it’s important to remember that not all women experience symptoms, and most breast cancers are found through routine screenings before any signs or symptoms appear. This is why regular mammograms and staying informed about your breast health are so vital.
Understanding your personal risk of breast cancer can also make a difference. Factors such as a family history of breast cancer, taking hormone replacement therapy after menopause, drinking alcohol, and being overweight will increase risk. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, making it the most common cancer among women in the United States. By being aware of these risks and discussing them with your healthcare provider, you can take proactive steps to protect your health.
It’s also crucial to recognize the signs of metastatic breast cancer, which occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Metastatic breast cancer awareness is an important part of the global campaign to support those affected by breast cancer, as metastatic disease can develop even after initial treatment. Metastatic breast cancer patients face unique challenges and deserve our support and understanding.
By raising awareness, supporting breast cancer research, and encouraging women to find breast cancer early, we can help reduce breast cancer deaths and improve outcomes for breast cancer patients. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond, let’s join together to support breast cancer awareness, promote early detection, and make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer. Every effort counts—together, we can save lives.
How To Practice Early Detection
The most successful early detection strategies combine medical screenings, professional evaluation, and regular self-exams.
- Schedule regular breast cancer screenings: Routine mammograms remain the gold standard for detecting breast cancer early. Access to diagnostic services, such as screening and assessment, is essential for early detection and effective treatment. Most women are advised to begin annual mammograms at age 40, but those with a family history of breast cancer or additional risk factors may benefit from getting routine mammograms earlier. Clinical breast exams performed by trained medical professionals can complement routine mammograms by identifying physical or visual changes that may not appear on imaging scans. Many organizations and clinics also offer low-cost mammograms to help make screening accessible to all women.
- Perform a self-exam for breast cancer: Being familiar with your own breast tissue is a crucial part of breast cancer detection. A self-exam for breast cancer involves checking the breasts for any noticeable changes in shape, texture or color and gently feeling for lumps or tenderness across all breast areas, including under the arms. Click here to access Midwest Express Clinic’s helpful guide to performing a self-exam at home.
- Report any changes immediately: If you notice a lump, skin dimpling, breast pain or nipple discharge, contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible. These symptoms don’t always point to breast cancer, but new symptoms such as these should never be ignored.
Women’s Health Services at Midwest Express Clinic
The unfortunate reality is that many women delay or avoid breast cancer screenings due to fear, cost concerns or other factors. Some believe that if they have no symptoms, they don’t need to be screened. However, breast cancer often develops silently, which is why routine screenings are vital to early detection of breast cancer. Midwest Express Clinic offers convenient walk-in care, accepting most insurance plans and providing affordable self-pay options to make preventive care accessible for patients. Midwest Express Clinic provides comprehensive women’s health services designed to support every stage of life, including emotional support for patients, survivors, and their families as they navigate breast cancer and related health concerns.
- Well-woman exams and gynecological care to support reproductive and overall health.
- Pap smears to screen for cervical changes and detect potential health issues early.
- Ultrasounds at select locations to assist with diagnostic and wellness needs.
- Pregnancy testing, STD testing and birth control counseling to support women’s health awareness.
- Support resources and programs for survivors of breast cancer, recognizing the unique needs of each survivor, and the importance of ongoing emotional support for survivors and their loved ones.
Midwest Express Clinic can also help connect patients to appropriate treatments and follow-up care, ensuring access to the latest therapies and ongoing support throughout their journey.
Take Charge This Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Being proactive about breast cancer doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are three simple ways to stay one step ahead of breast cancer:
- Know your risk factors: Family history, genetics, age, and lifestyle habits all play a role in the development of breast cancer.
- Stay aware: Perform monthly breast self-checks and pay attention to any changes.
- Prioritize annual health screenings and wellness visits: Routine wellness exams and health screenings are key to early detection of breast cancer and ensure overall health is optimal.
- Adopt healthy lifestyle habits: Maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol intake, and exercise regularly to help reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month events help raise money for research, support services, and education. Ongoing research is leading to new therapies and targeted treatments that improve outcomes for patients. High income countries have seen improved survival rates due to better access to early diagnosis and advanced treatments. The origins of Breast Cancer Awareness Month trace back to the 1980s, with organizations like Imperial Chemical Industries playing a significant role in early advocacy and awareness efforts.
Midwest Express Clinic is here to support your health journey with experienced providers, walk-in convenience and compassionate women’s health services available at 50+ locations across Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. Early detection saves lives — make your own one of them.
To find a clinic in your area, visit midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
