In time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the National Cancer Institute of the National Institute of Health released its updated booklet Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide for Women. The guide addresses common concerns of women who notice breast changes or receive an abnormal mammogram finding, and explains important next steps in testing procedures, diagnosis, and treatment when breast changes are found.
An alarming one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. But fewer women are dying from it because of medical and technological advances in detection and treatment. Getting regular age-appropriate mammograms, followed by timely treatment when breast cancer is diagnosed, can help reduce a woman’s chances of dying from breast cancer. We know, however, that lesbians are less likely and/or able to get regular preventive screenings than their heterosexual counterparts for a number of reasons, which can lead to later diagnosis and complications during treatment. This booklet is a good resource, as it stresses the importance of preventive care, understanding personal risk factors, and helps women better prepare themselves for discussions with their health care provider.
Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide for Women, is available for free if you call 1-800-4-CANCER, or click here to download it as a PDF.
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