October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

28/09/2009 | Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Although 75 percent of breast cancers are found in women over 50 years of age, breast cancer can occur at any age, and one percent occur in men.

Therefore October is a good time for all to be Breast Aware:

• know what is normal for your body
• know what changes to look for
• see your doctor straight away if you find any changes
• attend the Breast Screen Aoteoroa mammography screening programme – free if you are a woman aged 45 to 69
• encourage/support your female family and friends of that age to attend.

“Understanding what is normal for our bodies is important if we are to know when something is not right,” Breast Screen Coast to Coast, Health Promotion Coordinator, Ann Shaw says. When changes to what is normal last for more than a couple of weeks it is important to be checked out with your family doctor.

“Early detection of breast cancer can make a difference so don’t wait to make that doctor’s appointment,” Ann says.
Most women who attend for a screening mammogram will not be found to have breast cancer. Screening does not stop you getting cancer but it does reduce your chance of dying from it.

“So this October, encourage all your friends to be aware of the signs of possible breast cancer and actively support women aged 45 to 69 to participate in the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme.”

For more information phone (0800) 270-200 or go to www.breastscreen.govt.nz

CONTACT: Communications Unit: (06) 350-8945