2022 Paint the Paper Pink

Page 5 2022 PAINT THE PAPER PINK Lincoln Daily News Oct/Nov 2022 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Logan County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) encourages all women to take proper steps to take control of their health. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), one out of every eight American women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime and more than 40,000 women in the United States will die this year from the disease. In Illinois alone, over 2,000 women will die each year of breast cancer. All women are at risk, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. More African- American women die from breast cancer than any other race and minority women tend to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage. There is no way to prevent breast cancer; however, early detection of breast cancer is the key to saving lives. The five-year survival rate is 96% for women who are detected and treated at an early stage. Sadly, only about 9% of breast cancers in Illinois are detected at the earliest and most curable stage. The Illinois Department of Public Health states that early detection depends on women following these guidelines: • Starting at age 20, women should practice monthly breast self-examinations. • At least once a year, woman should have a clinical breast examination done by a health professional. • Every year, women 40 years of age and older should have a screening mammogram. • If a breast change occurs such as development of a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, pain or changes to the nipple, redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, or discharge other than breast milk, a health care provider should be contacted as soon as possible. Logan County Department of Public Health recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month CONTINUED u