The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women get regular mammograms starting at age 40; however, only half of women over 40 get them. Whether this is due to concerns about cost, discomfort or fear of diagnosis, too many women are avoiding this potentially lifesaving screening test. Breast cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer death in women (only lung cancer kills more), according to the American Cancer Society.
That’s why Midwest Express Clinic, and other medical professionals worldwide, are working to spread awareness and save lives during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and with the Pink Glove program. Their goal: provide critical education and spark motivation for women over 40 to make their health a top priority and schedule their annual wellness exam.Â
Pink Glove
In 2009, American-based medical supply company Medline Industries produced and distributed pink medical gloves to healthcare workers as a way to draw attention and initiate conversation about breast cancer prevention. The profits from the gloves also went to help pay for routine mammograms for those needing assistance.
In November of the same year, 200 hospital workers at a Portland-based medical center went viral by dancing in a video to a popular song while wearing the pink gloves. Since then, similar videos by other healthcare professionals are helping to spread the news of breast cancer prevention in an entertaining and engaging way.Â
The Pink Glove movement continues today, with medical solutions company Henry Schein and the American Cancer Society working to raise breast cancer awareness and support a cure with their 17th annual Practice Pink program. The program has raised more than $1.8 million for breast cancer prevention and research through the sale of pink merchandise. Click here for more info about the Practice Pink program.Â
Types of breast cancer and symptoms
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Midwest Express Clinic team wants you to know these essential facts about the disease.
Breast cancer occurs when malignant cells (cancer cells) form in the tissues of the breast. In 2023, an estimated 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. alone, with an additional 55,720 new cases of noninvasive (ductal carcinoma in situ) breast cancer expected as well. About 43,700 women will die from breast cancer in 2023.Â
The most common symptoms of breast cancer:Â
- A new lump in the breast or underarm (can be painless)
- Swelling of all or part of a breast
- Skin dimpling
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking or thickened
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collar bone
Risk factors
A risk factor is anything that might increase your chance of getting breast cancer. Here are some common risk factors:
- Being born female
- Aging (most breast cancers are found in people over 50)
- A family history of breast cancer
- Dense breast tissue
- History of benign breast conditions such as fibrosis, adenosis and lipoma
- Inherited genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2)
- Lifestyle, including diet, alcohol, obesity, inactivity, not having children, not breastfeeding, birth control, menopausal hormone therapy, breast implants
Prevention
Some risk factors are unchangeable, such as aging, but some you can affect. The CDC offers the following suggestions to help lower your risk of breast cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
- Ask your doctor about the risks of any birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy medication prescribed.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Keep routine mammogram appointments.
Your Pap smear visit includes a breast screening. Please visit midwestexpressclinic.com for more information.
For more information on Breast Cancer Awareness Month and how you can help support the cause, visit nationalbreastcancer.org.Â
