The Wright Center: Preventative Measures Remain Critical in Breast Cancer

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making for an ideal opportunity to celebrate the significant gains made, as well as the need for continued vigilance, in the fight against this deadly yet highly treatable disease.

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. According to the American Cancer Society, about 316,950 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States in 2025. Tragically, about 42,170 women will die from the disease this year.

Breast cancer typically affects women ages 50 and older, although too many younger women are now battling it. When people consider their circle of family members, friends, and co-workers, the odds are high that someone they know has been affected by it.

Thankfully, recent advances in early detection and genetic testing of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have significantly improved treatment of breast cancer, while countless nonprofit organizations and groups have done immense good in terms of awareness, funding, and support services.

Regular self-examinations and routine mammograms are the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early – when it’s easiest to treat, often before symptoms appear or the disease spreads. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, the five-year relative survival rate is 99% when breast cancer is found in its earliest, localized stage.

Individuals can lower their risk of breast cancer through preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and breastfeeding their children.

Throughout October, The Wright Center will be partnering with Lackawanna Mobile X-Ray to offer mammogram screenings at locations in Jermyn, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre.