Expert Advice from Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre
October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but, as much as awareness matters, breast health education and tools for early detection – like mammograms and proper self-exams are needed year-round. They can reduce deaths and allow for a world where women and men feel empowered with knowledge and confidence to report breast changes and participate in available screening.
According to the Bermuda National Tumour Registry, 1 in 8 women in Bermuda will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Yet research by the Know Your Lemons Foundation shows that only 2% of women know all the signs; and that when breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options, with a survival rate as high as 99%!
Here are three steps you can take to increase your likelihood of detecting breast cancer early:
- Attend or book a Know Your Lemons presentation to gain knowledge on the 12 symptoms of breast cancer, when to get screened according to your risk, and how to best conduct your monthly self-breast exam.
- Follow breast cancer screening guidelines:
-
- Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.
- Women aged 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
- Women 55 and older can switch to mammograms every 2 years or can continue yearly screening.
- Conduct monthly self-breast exams to help familiarise yourself with how your breasts look and feel so you can discuss any changes with your healthcare professional.
To arrange a Know Your Lemons Presentation or schedule your mammogram today, visit Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s website, www.chc.bm.
