Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
Houston Has a Message for Every Family
By Houston Medical Times Staff
Every October, pink ribbons appear across Houston—in hospitals, physician
offices, businesses, schools and community events. But behind the color is a
message that goes far beyond a month-long awareness campaign: breast cancer
affects individuals and families, and finding the disease early can improve the
chances of successful treatment.
For Houston, that message is especially meaningful. The city is home to a
remarkable concentration of cancer specialists, researchers and medical
institutions, including the Texas Medical Center. Patients throughout the
Houston area have access to specialized breast cancer care, diagnostic imaging,
genetic counseling, clinical trials and survivorship services.
Yet one of the most important tools in detecting breast cancer remains
regular screening.
Know When to Get Screened
Screening recommendations depend on age, personal health and individual
risk factors.
According to the American Cancer Society, women at average risk ages 40
to 44 have the option of beginning annual mammograms. Women ages 45 to 54
should have a mammogram every year. Beginning at age 55, women can transition
to mammograms every other year or continue with annual screening, as long as
they remain in good health and have a life expectancy of at least 10 years.
Women who are at higher risk because of factors such as a strong family
history, certain inherited genetic mutations or previous medical conditions may
need to begin screening earlier or receive additional testing. A healthcare
professional can help determine the appropriate screening plan.
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center similarly emphasizes that breast cancer
screening recommendations depend on a woman's age and level of risk. Its High
Risk Screening and Genetics Clinic provides individualized risk assessment,
genetic counseling and screening recommendations for people with certain
personal or family histories.
Know Your Risk—and Know Your Body
Family history is an important part of understanding breast cancer risk.
People with a significant family history of breast or ovarian cancer, certain
inherited genetic changes or other risk factors may benefit from genetic
counseling and a personalized cancer risk assessment.
MD Anderson's genetic counseling services help individuals and families
understand inherited cancer risk and determine whether genetic testing or
specialized screening may be appropriate.
Being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel is also
important. A new lump or thickening, a change in breast size or shape, changes
in the skin, a nipple that changes direction or becomes retracted, or
unexpected nipple discharge should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Changes do not necessarily mean cancer, but they should not be ignored.
Houston's Medical Community Makes a
Difference
Houston offers a broad range of resources for people at different stages
of the breast cancer journey.
UT MD Anderson's Nellie B. Connally Breast Center provides personalized
breast cancer care, including screening, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship
services, with locations throughout the Houston area. MD Anderson also provides
access to clinical trials and specialized programs for patients with increased
breast cancer risk.
For individuals and families facing a diagnosis, Houston's medical
community also includes organizations that can help patients navigate the
practical and emotional challenges that can accompany cancer treatment.
More Than a Pink Ribbon
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also an opportunity to remember that
every diagnosis represents a person—not a statistic.
It may be a mother, wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, friend, coworker
or neighbor. It may also be a man. Breast cancer is much less common in men,
but men can develop the disease as well. Fewer than 1% of breast cancers in the
United States occur in men.
For survivors, October can be a celebration of strength. For families
currently facing treatment, it can be a reminder that they are not alone. And
for those who have lost someone to breast cancer, the month can bring memories
and an opportunity to honor that person's life.
Houston's medical community continues to advance breast cancer research,
diagnosis and treatment. But awareness begins with individuals taking action.
Know your family history. Know your risk. Follow your healthcare
provider's screening recommendations. And don't ignore changes that concern
you.
This October, Houston Medical Times encourages our readers to look beyond
the pink ribbons and have the conversation that could matter most:
When was your last mammogram, and have you talked with your healthcare
provider about your breast cancer risk?
Sometimes, awareness begins with simply making the appointment.