To the Editor: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month; this is an opportunity to discuss the importance of early detection and prevention for the most-commonly diagnosed cancer in women.

Early detection is critical, as the majority of those diagnosed have no family history of the disease.  Annual exams and routine mammograms as recommended by a physician based on age and other risk factors; help reduce breast cancer mortality rates by nearly one-third.

And while more than 220,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S., it is also important for men to realize that they too can be at risk and to follow the guidance of their doctor.

The death rate from breast cancer has decreased 2.2 percent since 1990. This is contributed to early detection. The slogan has been around for a while- “Early detection saves lives.” This is not just propaganda. Mammograms and breast self-exams are detecting cancers at an earlier stage allowing for more successful treatment options. Unfortunately, in Prowers County only about 52% of our women are screened through mammography! We can do better!

Health care providers in Prowers County have “Linked in Pink” in an effort to increase rates of screening and early detection and ensure that our residents are aware that early detection through regular clinical breast exams, self-breast exams and mammography can save lives. Throughout the month of October there will be special events to learn more about breast cancer screening, women’s health issues, including opportunities to obtain women’s health exams and mammography locally. These services can be free or very low cost to obtain and can be provided locally in Prowers County.

“Linked in Pink” partners include, High Plains Community Health Center, Lamar Community College, Prowers County Public Health and Environment, Prowers Medical Center and Southeast Health Group. For more information please contact any of the health care providers listed.

Sincerely,

High Plains Community Health Center
Lamar Community College
Prowers County Public Health & Environment
Prowers Medical Center
Southeast Health Group