In Our View: Get screened for breast cancer

While we enjoy October because of its natural beauty and, of course, Halloween, we also should be aware it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with Oct. 13 being Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

Great strides have been made in the last few decades in reducing mortality rates from breast cancer, thanks in large part to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which has been raising funds and awareness since 1989. In fact, rates have reduced by more than 42% during that time. The foundation has raised more than $3 billion for research, outreach, advocacy and more since its beginning. It’s miraculous what has been accomplished.

Yet one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. The push continues to get information out and encourage everyone to be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer and the steps to take to fight it.

While men, too, can get breast cancer, the most common risk factors are being born female and growing older.

Of course, we aren’t doctors, so we urge all to speak to their physician to assess their risk and what steps they should take to ensure they do all they can to prevent this dangerous disease. However, we believe it’s important to know:

? Family history can be important information for your doctor to know where cancer is concerned.

? Mammograms are recommended yearly, beginning at 40.

? Healthy lifestyle choices, like limited alcohol use, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, can lower your risk of cancer and other diseases.

As for testing, there are plenty of opportunities to have a mammogram, including mobile mammography units. Check with your doctor or local hospital about getting scheduled.

Medical science has made progress in finding ways to treat cancer, and those approaches have improved outcomes for many patients. That progress continues.

Individuals can help by doing their best to take care of themselves, which includes taking preventative measures to detect any problems early.