Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class James Stenberg | Deborah Vanloh, a mammogram technologist at Naval Hospital Pensacola, sets up a...... read more read more
PENSACOLA, Fla. – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Naval Hospital Pensacola is educating its beneficiaries about the dangers of breast cancer and the importance of getting checked.
Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. About one in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.
“The two greatest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and getting older” said Michelle Wilkes, breast health specialist, NHP. “Early detection with a breast self-exam, clinical breast exam and mammography is the best defense against this disease.”
A mammogram can often detect breast cancer long before it can be felt and usually years before physical symptoms appear. The earlier cancer is detected, the less invasive and more successful treatment can be.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2014, more than 232,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Men are also susceptible to breast cancer and the ACS predicts that more than 2,000 men will be diagnosed this year.
“Since breast cancer is so rare in men, no routine screening is recommended,” said Hospital Corpsman Second Class Brett Strach, nuclear medicine technologist, NHP. “However, if a man notices a lump or a change in the breast, he needs to be evaluated by a physician.”
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can produce a cornucopia of emotional and medical concerns. Thankfully, NHP has had a certified breast patient navigator available for the last 16 years to assist with the treatment and recovery process.
To help promote breast cancer awareness, the hospital will be hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness Expo every Friday during the month of October. The expo will educate beneficiaries on the dangers of breast cancer and the importance of knowing how to perform a self-exam. There will also be pamphlets, self-exam cards and tables with interactive displays so that beneficiaries can actually see what a lump would feel like.
“I encourage all women to take charge of their health care and receive these lifesaving exams,” said Wilkes. “Do it for yourself and for the ones you love. Put your breasts to the test and let's give [breast] cancer the shove.”
The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women over the age of 40. Beneficiaries enrolled at NHP can call their Medical Home Port Team through Central Appointments at 850-505-7170 to schedule a mammogram.
| Date Taken: | 09.23.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2014 10:47 |
| Story ID: | 143003 |
| Location: | PENSACOLA, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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