October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

One in eight U.S. women and one in one thousand U.S. men will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. It is the second most common cancer found in women behind skin cancer.

Breast cancers, like all cancers, cannot be one hundred percent prevented, but as with all cancers, early detection is key to the best recovery.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the United States Preventative Services Task Services (USPSTF) recommend that women, at average risk, 50 to 74 years old, to get a mammogram every 2 years and that women younger than 50 should discuss screening with their doctors. Recent developments in genetic testing can assess you risk of developing breast cancer.

Along with diagnostic screenings, monthly self-exams are key. Become familiar with your breasts and consult with your physician if you notice any unfamiliar changes. Although you may be uneasy during this time about medical visits, time really is your best friend in this treatment – contact your doctor’s office for advice.

There are things you can do to help lower your risk of developing breast cancer.

• Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
• Avoid or limit alcohol.
• If you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the risks.
• Studies show that breastfeeding for more than a year may also reduce your risk. .

If you need help with diagnostic services, the CDC provides low-income, uninsured, and under-served women access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services; check the information here for help in the state of Tennessee.

At Williamson County Public Library, we have many books that may help with the subject of breast cancer, whether as a patient, spouse, or friend. There is a display of books on the second floor, next to the elevator door.

We also have a selection of ebooks available on TN R.E.A.D.S (Libby):

Straight Talk about Breast Cancer by Suzanne W. Braddock and Jane M. Kercher

Confronting Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer by Sue Friedman and Rebecca Sutphen

Breast Cancer Journey by Ruth O’Regan and Sheryl G. A. Gabram

Bald Is Better with Earrings by Andrea Hutton

Bald is Better with Earrings by Andrea Hutton as an audiobook

hoopla:

Breast Cancer by Michelle Denton