October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 3, 2022
DID YOU KNOW? Mammograms have helped lower the number of people who died from breast cancer in the United States by 40%!
Early detection saves lives! That’s why The New York City District Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund (the “Welfare Fund”) has partnered with Memorial Sloan Kettering, a world-leading cancer authority, to make it easier for you and your family to be aware of the actions you can take to reduce your risk of cancer or identify it earlier when its more easily treated.
WHAT IS BREAST CANCER SCREENING? Breast cancer screening exams are designed to identify cancer at early stages, when it is more easily and successfully treated. MSK’s breast imaging experts recommend the following guidelines designed to save the most lives.
WHEN SHOULD YOU BE SCREENED?
Women age 25 and older:
- Practice breast self-awareness.
- Begin yearly clinical breast exams by a doctor.
Women age 40 and older:
- Begin yearly mammograms.
- Ultrasound may be recommended for women with dense breast tissue.
Women with a family history of breast cancer:
- Begin yearly imaging exams ten years before the age of the earliest diagnosis in your immediate family, but not earlier than age 25 or later than age 40.
- Consider additional screenings exams.
Men Can Get Breast Cancer too!
The most common risk factors associated with male breast cancer are age, exposure to higher levels of the hormone estrogen relative to the male hormone androgen, radiation, and a family history of female or male breast cancer. Some men have an increased risk of breast cancer because of genetic mutations, such as in the BRCA genes.
- For those men, we recommend starting self-exams at age 35.
Take Action
- Get personalized screening recommendations and tips on how to lower your risk for cancer. Take Charge of Your Health with Personalized Screening Advice.
- If you have any questions about when you should start having mammograms, you should talk to your doctor.
- If you think you are at increased risk of getting breast cancer, you can make an appointment to see a MSKCC specialist.
- Click HERE for more breast cancer & health information.
Please be reminded that the Welfare Fund has a partnership with MSK Direct to provide members and your families the highest-quality cancer programs and services, virtually or in-person, to help navigate your unique journey of screening and prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and life beyond cancer.
If you or a family member are impacted by cancer and would like to discuss treatment options at MSK, call the dedicated MSK Direct phone line for NYCDCC participants and dependents at (844) 386-3368 or visit www.mskcc.org/nycdcc.
