October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - a time to raise awareness of the rates, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the most common form of cancer among women in the U.S.
According to the CDC, 31% of cancers in American women is breast cancer- accounting for over 287,000 new cases in 2022. In addition, invasive female breast cancer incidence rates have increased by approximately 0.5% per year since the mid-2000s. Survival rates for 5- year and 10-year patients are 90% and 84%, respectively, for invasive breast cancer. This is mainly because 65% of women are diagnosed with localized-stage disease due to early detection.
Early detection continues to be the most effective way to reduce the risk of death from breast cancer. Early diagnosis also allows for more treatment options available. In order to detect breast cancer early, most providers use mammography- a low-dose x-ray procedure used to detect breast cancer before it is symptomatic.
There are several symptoms to look out for:
- a lump or mass in the breast tissue
- persistent changes to the breast - skin thickening, swelling, or redness
- nipple abnormalities - spontaneous discharge, scaliness, or retraction
If a lump or abnormality is found during a self-exam or routine mammogram, the Prairie Lakes General Surgery staff is equipped to perform minimally invasive breast biopsies. These biopsies can provide an early diagnosis before tumors have a chance to fully develop. Many times these procedures can be scheduled for the next day without a referral by calling the Prairie Lakes General Surgery Clinic at 605-882-7777.
For patients diagnosed with breast cancer, staff at the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center are here to support you every step of the way with advanced technology treatments and compassionate support. Breast cancer services at Prairie Lakes Cancer Center include:
- Radiation treatment
- Chemotherapy
- Clinical Trials
- Sentinel Node Biopsy - a surgical procedure to determine if cancer has spread to lymphatic system
- On-site pathology
- Breast conservation surgery
- Mastectomy
- Plastic Surgery Consultation & Reconstruction
- Lymphedema Prevention and Treatment
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Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly
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Avoid excessive alcohol
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Quit smoking