Health Watch -- Women and Cancer: Detection
Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer kills more than 40,000 American women a year. This week on Health Watch, we'll talk about breast cancer and other cancers that affect women.
Recent medical advances have improved breast cancer survival rates. When cancer is caught early enough, up to 95 percent of breast cancer patients survive more than five years after diagnosis. That's why Dr. Phil Evans, director of the Southwestern Center for Breast Care at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says it's important for women to have annual mammograms starting at the age of 40 — earlier if a close relative has had breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation can help women in need obtain free or reduced-cost mammograms. Regular self exams and medical exams are also recommended.
Recent medical advances have improved breast cancer survival rates. When cancer is caught early enough, up to 95 percent of breast cancer patients survive more than five years after diagnosis. That's why Dr. Phil Evans, director of the Southwestern Center for Breast Care at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says it's important for women to have annual mammograms starting at the age of 40 — earlier if a close relative has had breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation can help women in need obtain free or reduced-cost mammograms. Regular self exams and medical exams are also recommended.
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October 2006
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