Raising awareness of breast cancer

Oct. 1, 2024 - The Oak Park Public Health Department is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October by sharing information to promote early detection and prevention of the disease.

Oak Park and other Chicagoland residents who are uninsured or underinsured looking for free breast health screenings can contact Equal Hope, a not-for-profit that assists with navigating breast health screening and follow up care. A request form is available onlineor by calling 312.942.3369.

Additionally, members of the Oak Park Police Department are showing support for survivors and those currently facing the disease by wearing special pink uniform patches and pins throughout the month.

Breast cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer in women after skin cancer. About 1 in 8 women in the United States will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. Early detection is key for achieving a positive outcome after diagnosis. When caught in its earliest stages breast cancer now has a five-year relative survival rate of 99%.

Research has made strides in the development of prevention and early-detection technologies so it's important that everyone speak to their doctor to understand their individual risk and the early-detection strategies that are appropriate for them.

The American Cancer Societyprovides the following guidelines for those at average breast cancer risk:

• Women between 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year.
• Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
• Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue yearly mammograms. Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years.
• Transgender women, talk with a doctor about the risk of breast cancer following breast development and use of hormone therapy.
• Transgender men, talk with a doctor about the risk of developing breast cancer in any remaining breast/chest tissue.

There are some breast cancer risk factors that cannot be changed, such as a family history of breast cancer or having a genetic mutation known to increase the risk of breast cancer. Some factors related to lifestyle can be controlled, however, like alcohol consumption and physical activity. Officials recommend talking to a doctor about the risk for breast cancer, and when and how often to get mammograms.

For more information about the Oak Park Public Health Department, visit www.oak-park.us/health, email [email protected]or call 708.358.5480.

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