Press release
On Tuesday, September 27, Henderson County Commissioner’s Court members signed a proclamation that declares October 2016 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Henderson County. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.
“While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same,” said Henderson County Extension Agent Carolyn Tyler.
Tyler along with the Henderson County Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention Education committee were on hand to provide some facts about Breast Cancer in Henderson County and throughout the United States.
- One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime,
- Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women,
- Breast cancer claims the life of almost 40,000 U.S. women a year,
- Breast cancer knows no boundaries- be it age, gender, socio-economic status or geographic location,
- The most common risk factors for breast cancer are being female and growing older,
- Breast cancer affects more than just the patient- co-survivors (friends, family and co-workers) need support to,
- Making healthy lifestyle choices may reduce your risk of breast cancer.
It was also noted that detection of breast cancer at an early stage greatly improves the chances for successful treatment. The best prevention of breast cancer is early detection, which is why it is important that women receive annual screening mammograms. Research has shown that mammograms reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer leads to a greater range of treatment options, including less-aggressive surgery. The American Cancer Society recommends that women receive an annual mammogram beginning at age 40. A woman’s likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age. As long as a woman is in good health and would be a good candidate for breast cancer treatment, she should continue to be screened with an annual mammogram. If there is a question about a woman being a good candidate, she should thoroughly discuss it with her physician.
Some women choose not to get mammograms because of the cost. Beginning in 2011, the Affordable Care Act required that all new health insurance plans fully cover screening mammograms without any out-of-pocket expenses for the patient. This is also required of Medicare. For uninsured women and those not eligible for Medicare, resources are available for which these women may qualify.
To help women learn about these resources and how to access them, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Henderson County will be conducting a Girls Night Out: Friend to Friend party on September 29, 2016. Dr. Francine McCain, a board certified OB/GYN physician will provide information about both breast and cervical cancers. Attendees will also hear an inspiring story of hope from of breast cancer survivor Dawn Bratton. In addition to the speakers, there will be discussion of the obstacles that prevent women from getting mammograms and Pap tests. There will be sessions on pros and cons of butt lift and breast augmentation for aesthetic reasons. Participants will have the opportunity to visit vendor booths, enjoy refreshments, and enter to win door prizes. All participants will have an opportunity to schedule a screening mammogram and a limited number of free mammograms will be available for women that are uninsured or underinsured.
To learn more about the Friend to Friend party, contact Henderson County AgriLife Extension Agent, Carolyn Tyler at 903-675-6130 or [email protected].