October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

2008
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Caring Workplace Monthly Article: October 2008

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Brought to you by The Caring Workplace

In 1985 the American Cancer Society (ACS) teamed up with government agencies to spread awareness about early detection and treatment of breast cancer, which led to the creation of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Events and campaigns are now held nationwide throughout this month, now deemed “Pinktober” in reference to the pink awareness ribbon, to help encourage women to take proactive measures in the fight against breast cancer and to continue to raise money for a cure.

Below are some of the ACS’s guidelines for early detection of breast cancer, which is a key in preventing cancer related deaths:

Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
Clinical breast exam (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.
Women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.

Women can receive an annual reminder for their mammogram or clinical breast exams by registering at the ACS website www.cancer.org. In the St. Louis area, Barnes Jewish Hospitals and the Siteman Cancer Center have teamed up to provide residents with a mobile mammogram service. Their Mammography Van is on the road five days a week providing convenient access and free screenings to those who may not otherwise have this service available to them.

There are many local initiatives to help in the fight against breast cancer. The ACS sponsors Making Strides Against Breast Cancer with several non-competitive walks throughout the month. The St. Louis Chapter of the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Foundation also sponsors several local events to help raise money and spread awareness. They will be teaming up with the St. Louis Blues for Pink at the Rink on October 25th, an event in which proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the foundation. Their annual Race for the Cure was held in June and over 60,000 participants helped raise more than 3 million dollars, so they are off to a great start for their 2008 initiatives! There are many additional events posted on their website at www.komenstlouis.org. THINK PINK!

St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors, serving older adults and their families for over 46 years providing respite care, care management, and nursing services. Please contact your Caregiver Specialist by calling 314-802-5106, toll free 1-888-388-1930 or hobrien@standrews1.com.

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