October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
All women are at risk for developing breast cancer. Men can also get breast cancer, but occurrences are rare. In 2005, the most recent year data is available, 186,467 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 41,116 women died from the disease. Although more white women get breast cancer, more black women die from it.
Download a brochure for an overview of breast cancer, risk factors and symptoms.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer occurs when breast cells become abnormal and form a tumor that becomes malignant (cancerous). Breast cancer often starts out too small to be felt, which is why regular mammograms are important.
Download this brochure to learn more about mammograms and breast cancer detection.
Symptoms
Most of the time, early breast cancer does not have any symptoms. As it grows, breast cancer can cause changes in how the breast looks or feels. Symptoms include a new or changed lump in the breast, pain that doesn’t go away, flaky skin, a tender nipple, or fluid coming from the nipple when not nursing a baby.
Download this brochure to learn more about breast cancer symptoms and breast health.
Cancer in Georgia
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Georgia. Women in Georgia are more often diagnosed with breast cancer than any other type of cancer. Georgia has a Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program (BCCP) to reduce the number of deaths and help with early detection. The program provides mammograms and pap tests to low-income, uninsured women in certain age groups.
Download this brochure to learn more about BCCP and cancer prevention and treatment efforts in Georgia.
Regional Resources
Susan G. Komen For the Cure – Atlanta
Susan G. Komen For the Cure – Coastal Georgia
National Resources