Extension Office to sponsor breast cancer event April 28

Sunday, February 2, 2014

In 2010, 206,966 women and 2,039 men in the United States were diagnosed with breast cancer. Of that population 40,996 women and 439 men in the United States died from breast cancer (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. In term, a malignant tumor is a group of cells that can grow into surrounding tissues or spread into different parts of the body.

Researchers have not found a direct cause of breast cancer, however risk factors are linked to this type of cancer. Risk factors are anything that affects your chances of getting a disease.

A common risk factor associated with breast cancer is gender. Simply being a woman is the main risk factor. Although men can get breast cancer, the disease is 100 times more common in women (American Cancer Society, 2013).

Another risk factor is age. As you age, your chances of getting breast cancer increases. About one out of eight invasive breast cancers are found in women younger than 45, while about two of three invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older (American Cancer Society, 2013).

Last but not least, the third common risk factor associated with the disease is genetics (family history of breast cancer). Having one first-degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) with breast cancer approximately doubles a woman's risk. Having two first-degree relatives increases her risk about threefold (American Cancer Society, 2014).

In hopes of eliminating barriers and raising awareness for breast cancer, Purdue University Extension will conduct an event titled "Mother, Sister, Daughter and Friend."

In collaboration with St. Vincent Cancer Care, the Extension Office will provide a mobile mammography, allowing women to receive free mammograms. This event will take place on April 28 at the Purdue Extension Office parking lot. Eligibility for screening includes:

-- Must be 40 years of age or older or if under 40, 10 years younger than the age of mother or sister was first diagnosed with breast cancer.

-- Must have a current primary care physician to whom results of your screening mammogram can be sent.

-- Patient's physician's information is mandatory at time of registration.

-- Women with fibrocystic breast are eligible for a screening mammogram.

-- A written order from a physician is required for anyone between the ages of 30-30 at the time of your screening.

-- Previous breast cancer patients, who have had a mastectomy or lumpectomy, must be five or more years out from their diagnosis in order to be screened on the mobile.

Mobile Mammography Program appointment sign-up is first come-first served. If you wish to sign up for an appointment, stop by the Purdue Extension office (12 Central Square, Greencastle) by Feb. 19 to fill out a registration form with Jennifer Cannon, Health and Human Science Extension educator.

Results and registration are treated with confidentiality.

Anyone with questions may contact Jennifer at 653-8411.

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