October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Published Oct. 21, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Melissa Estevez 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States, but millions of women are surviving the disease thanks in part to early detection and improvements in treatment. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. Maj. Lee Ann Rickard, flight commander of the Women's Health Clinic at Scott, said, "Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a campaign to share awareness and a reminder for self-exams, breast exams and mammograms." The 375th Medical Group provides mammograms to active duty service members and their dependents. No referrals are needed for an annual screening mammogram. Currently, TRICARE covers annual screening mammograms for all women beginning at the age of 40. Mammograms are also covered annually beginning at age 30 for women who have 15 percent or greater lifetime risk of breast cancer. "You want to look for bumps, lumps or any abnormalities in the breast," said Rickard. "If you do find anything you should get it checked out immediately." According to The American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 36 (about 3 percent). Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment. Warning signs of breast cancer: A lump or pain in the breast Thickening or swelling of part of the breast Irritation or dimpling of breast skin Redness or flaky skin on the breast Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area Fluid other than breast milk from the nipple, especially blood A change in the size or the shape of the breast Reproductive risk factors: Being younger when you had your first menstrual period Never giving birth, or being older at the birth of your first child Starting menopause at a later age Using hormone replacement therapy for a long time Other risk factors: Getting older A personal history of breast cancer, dense breasts, or some other breast problems A family history of breast cancer (parent, sibling, or child) Changes in your breast cancer-related genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2) Getting radiation therapy to the breast or chest Being overweight, especially after menopause If you have risk factors, you may be more likely to get breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about ways to lower your risk and about screening. For more information or questions, talk to your Primary Care Manager or Women's Health Provider. To schedule a mammogram at the Scott Clinic call 618-256-7259.