Breast Cancer Screening Can Save Your Life
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 1 in 8 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Understanding this, Chapa-De wants to remind our patients of the importance of regular self-breast exams and cancer screenings.
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.
The most common kinds of breast cancer are:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma
- Invasive lobular carcinoma
Invasive ductal carcinoma is when cancer cells begin in the ducts and then grow outside the ducts into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive lobular carcinoma is when cancer cells begin in the lobules and then spread from the lobules to the breast tissues that are close by. Invasive cancer cells such as these can also spread to other parts of the body.
Signs and Symptoms
- New lump in the breast or underarm
- Thickening or swelling part of the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
- Pain in any area of the breast
To learn more about breast cancer, click HERE.
How can Chapa-De Help?
Breast cancer can be common and we want to find it during its earliest and most treatable stage. One way to achieve this is through annual mammograms.
There are different risk levels for breast cancer. Most women are at “average risk,” which means they meet the following criteria:
- They have not had breast cancer previously
- They have not had chest radiation therapy
- They do not have a strong family history of breast cancer
- They do not have the genetic mutation known to increase the risk of breast cancer (such as a BRCA gene)
Women at average risk should begin thinking about getting annual breast cancer screenings starting at age 40. Talk to your healthcare provider about breast cancer screenings to decide when you should get one. If you are over 40 and are not sure if you are due for Breast Cancer Screening, please contact us. If you are between ages 45 and 75 years old, and it has been two years or more since you have had a screening, you are probably due for one.
Women at “high risk” for breast cancer should get breast cancer screenings yearly, typically starting at age 30.
Throughout the year, Chapa-De hosts mobile mammogram events. You can learn more about preparing for a mammogram HERE.
When breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100%. Together, you along with Chapa-De can help increase breast cancer awareness and survival. Do not wait; call us to schedule an appointment if you are ever concerned about a lump or possible symptom!
For more information about Chapa-De, call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2800 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community Members
