Each October, the world takes on a definite blush as individuals, organizations and corporations adopt pink to promote breast cancer awareness. This year in the United States, an estimated 282,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.[1] The American Cancer Society also estimates that more than 44,000 women will die of breast cancer by the end of the year,[2] making it the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, after only lung cancer.[3]
Get Checked and Keep Checking
The good news is that breast cancer does not have to be fatal. From 2013 to 2018, breast cancer death rates decreased in women over 50 by 1% each year, most likely due to earlier detection and better treatments.[4] That’s why annual mammograms, which may be covered by your Medicare plan, are recommended for women between the ages of 50-74.[5]
You may also be able to help lower your risk by:[6]
- Exercising
- Limiting your alcohol intake
- Keeping a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
Women should also monitor their breasts regularly and talk to their doctors about any changes in their breasts, including lumps, swelling, redness, pain or discharge.[7] These steps can also help in early detection of the disease.
Men Can Be Affected Too
Men should also see the color pink as a reminder that early detection of breast cancer can save lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men account for one in every 100 breast cancer cases diagnosed. Men should also see a doctor if they experience symptoms including:[7]
- A lump or swelling in the breast
- Redness or flaky skin in the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Nipple discharge
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
Keep It Going Throughout the Year
While it’s great that October serves as an annual reminder, breast health should be top of mind every month. So stay alert to your breast health throughout the year.
And if you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, ongoing support and financial resources may be available from organizations such as Susan G. Komen[8] and others.
[1] American Cancer Society (2021). About Breast Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html
[2] American Cancer Society (2021). Cancer Statistics Center. https://cancerstatisticscenter.cancer.org/#!/cancer-site/Breast
[3] American Cancer Society (2021). About Breast Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html
[4] American Cancer Society (2021). About Breast Cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html
[5] Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2020). Don’t put off your yearly mammogram—it’s too important to miss! https://www.medicare.gov/blog/annual-mammogram-is-important
[6] Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (2020). Don’t put off your yearly mammogram—it’s too important to miss! https://www.medicare.gov/blog/annual-mammogram-is-important
[7] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). What is Breast Cancer Screening? https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/screening.htm
[8] Susan G. Komen. https://www.komen.org/
S7694_21-6622_enewsletter 2021_C Reviewed 10/22/21
Elixir Insurance is a Prescription Drug Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Elixir Insurance depends on contract renewal. For more information, please call our customer service number at 833-684-7267. TTY users call 711. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ATTENTION: If you speak Spanish, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 833-684-7267 (TTY: 711). ATENCIÓN: si habla Español, los servicios de asistencia lingüística, sin cargo, están disponibles para usted. Llamada 833-684-7267 (TTY: 711).
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