By Holly Smith, communications manager
DOH-Volusia
Daytona Beach, Fla. — In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County (DOH-Volusia) encourages all women to receive regular screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Important advances have been made through increased awareness, breast cancer screenings and better treatments.
“With early detection, a woman’s survival rate from breast cancer increases,” said Patricia Boswell, DOH-Volusia administrator. “That’s why breast self-exams are important. It starts with being familiar with how your breasts look and feel to help you notice symptoms such as lumps, pain, or changes in size that may be of concern. You should report any changes that you notice to your doctor or health care provider.”
In 2018, 2,955 women in Florida died from Female Breast Cancer. In Volusia County that year, 91 women died from breast cancer.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, no matter a person’s race or ethnicity. The American Cancer Society estimates 19,130 new cases are expected in Florida this year.
What should women do? Make “No excuses, ladies.” Women should talk to their health care provider about their individual risk factors and the frequency of receiving mammograms, as well as complete any recommended mammogram screenings. Additionally, women can lower their risk as follows:
· Get and stay at a healthy weight
· Be physically active
· Limit or avoid alcohol
· Choose to breast feed your child
· Quit smoking and or vaping
The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (FCCEDP) provides access to the breast and cervical cancer screenings doctors recommend. The screenings are free or low-cost for those who meet the program eligibility requirements. To see if you qualify, please call DOH-Volusia at 800-226-6110.
For more information on the program, please visit VolusiaHealth.com/mammo. The program serves Flagler, Lake, Marion, St. Johns and Volusia counties.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.