Breast cancer is the second most prominent cancer in women after skin cancer. 1 in 8 women will be affected by this disease during her lifetime. If we don’t have a family member who has had breast cancer, we certainly know of friends that have had to fight this disease.
Despite the tremendous advances in diagnosis and treatment, there is a serious need to educate women and to end breast cancer health disparities to achieve health equity for all.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month is the time that each and all of us should think about the magnitude of this modern epidemic which has the potential to be diagnosed earlier and enhance the chance of cure.
There are risk factors, especially for women who have a family history of breast cancer. A simple self-examination, approaching your doctors immediately about breast pain, and certainly routine mammogram and ultrasound screenings after the age of 32 can detect this cancer earlier. Needless to say that there is a great need in research and development of newer medications and treatments.
We can all help women fighting breast cancer by supporting them emotionally as well as contributing financially to appropriate organizations. We at Spotless Vein Care request that everyone participate in breast cancer awareness.
This is the only way that we can overcome this great challenge.
Hormoze A. Goudarzi, MD, FRCS, FACS
Spotless Vein Care