Get screened early for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

INDIANAPOLIS - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which generates awareness around the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women.




As part of the month, doctors say getting screened early can be a lifesaver. Every diagnosis of breast cancer is different, and even for a 30-year veteran like doctor Sam Heiser, the news of every diagnosis is the toughest part of his job.




"It's just a horrible thing to see somebody be faced with in a sense that it does cause so much anxiety," said Heiser. "I think anybody can have empathy for these poor folks who get this diagnosis."




About one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. About 168,000 women in the U.S are estimated to have breast cancer, and that number is growing. By 2030, that number could reach cases we have never seen.




"The number is very high. I've read numbers as high as 375,000 people will be diagnosed just this year, and it is both," Heiser said. "Men and women need to look for this."




While the clinic room is mainly focused on women, men can be diagnosed with breast cancer as well. According to data, cases breast cancer in men are on the rise. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2,800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025.




This is why doctors say it is important for men and women to do a self-check-up before going to the doctor.




"It is certainly good to go ahead and start at the age of 40 or so doing a routine, compulsive monthly self-breast exam to make sure you don't notice any changes," said Heiser.




If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, there are plenty of resources and organizations that are ready to help you and answer any questions you have. Pink Ribbon Connection in Fountain Square offers monthly educational sessions and has volunteers to help.




"We really try to team those who have been through the journey and have a similar diagnosis, so there are commonalities between our peer counselors and those who are diagnosed," said April Williams, executive director for Pink Ribbon Connection.





via: https://fox59.com/news/health/get-screened-early-for-breast-cancer-awareness-month/