Each year, the month of October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Spearheaded by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, this annual initiative serves to raise awareness about breast cancer and offer support to those impacted by the disease. The National Cancer Institute estimates that there will be 310,720 new cases of breast cancer in 2024. Breast cancer is also the second most common cancer in women behind skin cancer. Furthermore, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Given these statistics, I would like to use this week’s article to share information about breast cancer risks and warning signs as well as the vital role cancer screenings and early detection play in fighting the disease.
Breast cancer occurs when malignant cells grow in the tissue of the breast. These cells sometimes form into a tumor, which can be felt as a new lump or mass in the breast. While this new lump, along with other unusual changes, may indicate the presence of cancerous cells, breast cancer does not always present physical symptoms in the earliest stages of the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, however, cancer found at an early stage – when it is small and has not spread – is easier to treat. For this reason, screening exams, such as mammograms, are key to finding cancers before they start to cause symptoms, known as early detection.
Breast cancer screenings are recommended for all women beginning after the age of forty. However, individuals with a higher risk of the disease may need to be screened earlier and more often. There are several key factors that are used in determining a person’s risk level of developing breast cancer, such as age, ethnicity, and family history. While some men, especially those with a genetic history of the disease, have a risk of breast cancer, women represent 99 percent of all breast cancer cases and have a significantly higher risk of breast cancer than men. In addition to this, the American Cancer Society states lifestyle also plays an important role in determining a person’s risk level. These factors can include weight, alcohol and tobacco use, physical activity level and diet.
To learn more about this important awareness month, you can visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation. More research can be found at the National Cancer Institute. Additionally, for information about the different symptoms and risk factors for breast cancer, please review the American Cancer Society Guide.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.
