October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among American women (CDC). In Harford County, breast cancer has the highest incidence rate of all cancers at 144.8 per 100,000 (2017) (U.S Cancer Statistics Working Group, 2020). Some women do not have symptoms early on, which is why regular mammograms are so important for early detection.
Warning Signs of Breast Cancer (CDC):
- New lump in the breast or armpit.
- Thickening/swelling of breasts
- Irritation of breast skin.
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
- Change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
Risk Factors You Cannot Change (CDC):
- Being a woman
- Age
- As you get older, your risk for breast cancer goes up.
- Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes
- Inherited genetic changes are at higher risk for breast cancer.
- Family history
Risk Factors You Can Change (CDC):
- Not being physically active
- Being overweight or obese after menopause
- Taking hormones
- Some forms of hormone replacement therapy taken during menopause can raise risk for breast cancer when taken for more than five years.
- Some oral contraceptives also have been found to raise risk.
- Reproductive history
- Having the first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding, and never having a full-term pregnancy.
- Drinking alcohol
*This is not a definitive list. It is best to speak with your doctor about your risk for getting breast cancer.
The Harford County Health Department partners with University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health to offer no-cost mammograms to eligible Maryland residents.
- Must be 40+
- Must be uninsured
- Must be a Maryland resident
Additional Resources:
CDC Information on Breast Cancer
American Cancer Society information on Breast Cancer
