Breast cancer awareness month is in 25th year

The American Cancer Society estimates there are more than 192,370 cases of invasive breast cancer in the United States. This month, they hope to raise awareness about this disease by informing others of prevention and detection techniques. Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the month of October, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, according to the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month's Web site. It is an organization composed of professional medical associations, government agencies and national public service organizations working to raise awareness and promote dialogue about breast cancer in the national forefront.

Because breast cancer life expectancy greatly increases the sooner the disease is caught, the key to survival is early detection. Breast Cancer Awareness Month was created so that Americans can learn how to check themselves and catch the cancer early.

Dr. Pat Hoyson, chairperson and associate professor of nursing at Youngstown State University, greatly supports this concept.

"I think [Breast Cancer Awareness Month] is extremely important. Anything that brings health awareness and issues to the forefront is a good thing," she said, adding that women and men don't usually think of breast cancer in their everyday lives.

Aside from women 40 and over getting yearly mammograms, the American Cancer Society recommends a variety of other ways women can reduce their risk of breast cancer. Such examples are maintaining a healthy weight and diet, getting 30 minutes of exercise five or more days a week and limiting alcohol consumption. They also recommend talking to a doctor immediately if one notices any changes in their breasts or has any concerns.

Richard Barr, a radiologist at Southwoods X-Ray and MRI in Youngstown, recently conducted a study in his Boardman office he said will have a positive effect in the future of detecting breast cancer. His development, called elastography, is an ultrasound technique he hopes will eliminate some unnecessary biopsies.

"[Elastography] generates images on how hard or soft the tissue is as apposed to anatomy," he said. "It will better select patients who need a biopsy."

Barr also said several new techniques are in the works that he hopes will continue to help doctors better detection and treatment methods. He said although the instances of breast cancer have increased, he feels it is due to doctors picking them up earlier. "The life expectancies for those with breast cancer have significantly increased. They are living longer and more productive lives," he said.

Barr also gave several tips for detecting breast cancer early on. He recommended that those who are "high-risk," or those whose mother or first relative had breast cancer receive earlier mammograms. He said these high-risk people should have their first mammogram five years before the age their relative was diagnosed with breast cancer, since it is sometimes genetic, and should be receiving regular screening and ultrasounds.

To recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, YSU will have several events on campus to raise awareness, as well as money for research. The YSU Bookstore will be selling special school supplies and bracelets with pink ribbons on them, with a portion of the money going to foundations that support breast cancer research, such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the City of Hope. It is the bookstore's first year selling these items.

Also, the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center will be having a breast cancer table talk Oct. 14 from noon to 2 p.m. for those who wish to learn more. Information on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and models will be on hand to further explain how to spot cancer.