A Look at Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Services in the Hudson Valley
Breast Cancer Awareness month is upon us. With walks, fashion shows, and collegiate sports games promoting awareness, there is no shortage of support for survivors and research organizations. But what is breast cancer, and what do people actually know about the disease?
According to Planned Parenthood, breast cancer is a disease that attacks breast tissue when cells stop working properly. The cells can grow at an abnormal rate and form lumps or tumors in one or both breasts. Planned Parenthood also notes that while anyone can develop breast cancer, “the disease occurs almost entirely in cisgender* (cis) women.” Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer, while skin cancer is the most common form of the disease. According to Planned Parenthood, “over 240,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the U.S. and 40,000 people die from the disease.” Breast cancer is also the second deadliest form of cancer for cisgender women. While being a woman naturally puts you at risk, there are other risk factors including:
- Being over the age of 50
- Inherent mutations to genes related to breast cancer
- Having one or more blood relative with breast cancer or ovarian cancer
Planned Parenthood warns that breast cancer can potentially not have any noticeable symptoms. According to Sara Winterleitner, nurse practitioner at the Dyson Breast Center located at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in the City of Poughkeepsie, “earliest detection of breast cancer is screening mammogram, before there are physical symptoms.” Winterleitner advises that women 40 and older should have routine mammograms. If women have a family history of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends screenings starting 10 years prior to when the first degree relative was diagnosed.
Mammograms and routine breast exams can help detect breast cancer in early stages, but do not prevent the disease entirely. Winterleitner advises that “people of all ages can help reduce their risk for breast cancer by obtaining/maintaining a normal body mass index (BMI).” Engaging in a healthy lifestyle, including exercising and eliminating or decreasing alcohol consumption, can help achieve a healthy BMI as well as promote general wellness.
The biggest myth about breast cancer? According to Winterleitner the biggest myth is that a breast cancer diagnosis is a death sentence: “If diagnosed early, breast cancer is treatable and curable!” While October is a time to celebrate survivors and raise awareness, the Dyson Breast Center offers 3D mammograms to all women, insured or uninsured, every month. The Dyson Breast Center at Vassar Brothers Medical center is located in the City of Poughkeepsie and is a part of Health Quest, a Lagrangeville-based nonprofit healthcare family of four hospitals, a medical practice and more. Planned Parenthood in Poughkeepsie also offers affordable women’s health services and accepts most forms of health insurance.
*Cisgender-an individual that identifies as the gender they were assigned at birth.
