Breast Cancer Screening

Pink is the ribbon color for breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in West Virginia women. Joining us tonight on House Call is a medical professional from UHC to discuss the importance of a breast cancer screening.

1). WHY IS BREAST CANCER SCREENING IMPORTANT?

• Breast screening detects cancer before symptoms appear.
• Female breast cancer is the 2nd most commonly diagnosed cause of cancer deaths among West Virginians.
• 1 out of every 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
• Black and white women are diagnosed with breast cancer at similar rates, but black women are more likely to die from the disease.
• A woman’s risk for breast cancer increases if she has a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, or sister) or multiple family members on either side of the family with breast or ovarian cancer. Also, having a first-degree male (father, brother, or uncle) relative raises a woman’s risk for breast cancer.

2). WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED?

Mammography is the best screening tool for the early detection of breast cancer. Screening guidelines vary based on individual risk and family history. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if you start screening at age 40 and whether you screen every year or every other year.

3). HOW DO YOU GET SCREENED?

Talk to your doctor about getting screened, if you qualify, and the risks associated with screening. If you have insurance, ask your provider for a referral. If you do not have a healthcare provider and/or insurance and would like additional info, contact WVU Cancer Institute Cancer Prevention and Control at 877-287-2272. To see if you might qualify for free breast cancer screenings, contact the WV Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program at 304-558-5388 or 1-800-642-8522 or visit dhhr.wv.gov/bccsp/Pages/default.aspx.

This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.

Please note, the information provided throughout this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and video, on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. If you are experiencing related symptoms, please visit your doctor or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.