women's health - UNCAS Health District

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024: The Importance of Screening and Early Detection

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), it is projected that 310,720 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2024, and 42,500 women are expected to die from the disease.

While these numbers are concerning, there is good news: early detection plays a critical role in improving survival rates. When breast cancer is detected early, is in the localized stage, and treated promptly, the five-year survival rate is 99%. This underscores the vital importance of regular breast cancer screenings.

Why is Breast Cancer Screening Important?

Breast cancer screening tests, such as mammograms, can detect the disease before symptoms develop, when the cancer is often smaller and has not spread. This early detection makes treatment more effective, less invasive, and can significantly improve outcomes.

For many women, timely screening could be the difference between a manageable condition and a more complicated diagnosis.

Who Should Get Screened?

The ACS recommends that women at average risk of breast cancer start receiving annual mammograms at age 40. Women considered at higher risk—such as those with a family history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations (like BRCA1 or BRCA2), or other risk factors—may need to begin screenings earlier. It’s important to discuss your personal risk factors with your doctor.

How Often Should I Get Screened?

Most women should have a mammogram every year, according to the ACS guidelines. However, depending on your risk profile, your doctor may recommend a more frequent screening schedule or additional tests such as breast MRIs. Staying consistent with screening is essential for catching any potential issues early.

What Should I Do If I Find a Lump in My Breast?

If you detect a lump or notice any changes in your breasts, it’s crucial to see a healthcare provider promptly. While many breast lumps are not cancerous, only a professional evaluation can determine the cause and recommend the appropriate next steps.

How Can I Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

There are many ways you can get involved and help raise awareness:

Get screened for breast cancer, and encourage others to do the same.
Share information about the importance of screening with friends and family.
Donate to breast cancer research or organizations that provide support to patients and survivors.
Volunteer your time to local cancer charities or support groups.

By taking these steps, you can contribute to ongoing efforts to reduce breast cancer mortality and support those impacted by the disease.

More Facts About Breast Cancer

January marks National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society estimated there will have been about 13,960 new cases of invasive cancer diagnosed, and about 4,310 women will have died from cervical cancer in 2023. The 2020 CDC data for Connecticut shows there were 96 cases reported, equaling a cervical cancer rate of 4.8 per 100,000 women.

Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer, increasing in people over the age of 30. Certain types of HPV are the main cause of cervical cancer. Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Click here to see more information about cervical cancer risk.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer starts in the cells lining the cervix — the lower part of the uterus (womb).

The cervix connects the body of the uterus (the upper part where a fetus grows) to the vagina (birth canal). Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control.

The cervix is made of two parts and is covered with two different types of cells.

The endocervix is the opening of the cervix that leads into the uterus. It is covered with glandular cells.
The exocervix (or ectocervix) is the outer part of the cervix that can be seen by the doctor during a speculum exam. It is covered in squamous cells.

The place where these two cell types meet in the cervix is called the transformation zone. The exact location of the transformation zone changes as you get older and if you give birth. Most cervical cancers begin in the cells in the transformation zone.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

Cervical cancer may not present with signs or symptoms in its early stages. Advanced cervical can cause bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal for you. The best way to reduce risk is to see your doctor regularly, comply with screening recommendations, and report anything to your doctor that is not normal for you. See the attached documents for more detailed information.

Types of Treatment

If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, you will be referred to a gynecologic oncologist to develop a treatment plan. Cervical cancer is treated in several ways. It depends on the kind of cervical cancer and how far it has spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Surgery: Doctors remove cancer tissue in an operation.
Chemotherapy: Using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills you take or medicines given in your veins, or sometimes both.
Radiation: Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer.

Insurance and Income: For those who are concerned they cannot afford care

Screening and treatment are covered under most insurance policies. But what if you, or someone you know, is uninsured or underinsured and cannot afford care? In Connecticut, the DPH has the Connecticut Early Detection & Prevention Program (CEDPP).

The CEDPP is an integrated program that brings breast and cervical cancer screening together with the WISEWOMAN, Colorectal Cancer, and Comprehensive Cancer programs, which helps promote healthy lifestyles for Connecticut Residents in order to decrease breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, heart disease, hypertension, and other avoidable diseases. If you, or someone you know, needs to receive screening but cannot afford it, please go to the Early Detection and Prevention Program website to determine eligibility.

Cervical Cancer Facts