Faith Community Health System partners with Moncrief Cancer Institute
to bring a mobile mammogram clinic to Jacksboro on Oct. 20, 2022.
Did you know one in eight women in the United States, which amounts to approximately 13 percent, will develop invasive breast cancer throughout her lifetime? October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Faith Community Health System (FCHS) is leveraging the occasion to discuss the importance of cancer screenings.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops from breast tissue. Aside from early detection through mammograms, the first noticeable symptom is typically a lump seen or felt in or around the breast.
In 2022 alone, an estimated 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in American women, along with 51,400 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Unfortunately, 43,250 women are expected to die in 2022 because of breast cancer.
Men are also not immune to this disease. While extremely rare, estimated at one in 833, estimates suggest that 2,710 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year.
According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer will become the most common cancer globally as of 2021, accounting for 12 percent of all new cancer cases annually worldwide.
In Texas, approximately 19,921 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Nearly 3,400 women in the state are expected to die because of the disease.
When it comes to detecting breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends women between the ages of 40 and 44 should have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year. Women ages 45 to 54 should get a mammogram annually. Women 55 and older can switch to mammograms every other year or maintain an annual screening.
Some breast cancer treatments — including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy — can weaken the immune system and cause lung complications. Individuals with weakened immune systems or lung problems have a much higher risk of severe complications if they become ill.
According to the CDC, individuals fighting cancer are urged to get vaccinated each year for the flu and, now, COVID-19. These vaccinations can help reduce complications should you become infected with either of the viruses.”
Although many popular initiatives year-round raise breast cancer awareness, many women still do not follow recommended screening measures.
FCHS is partnering with Moncrief Cancer Institute to bring a mobile mammogram screening clinic to Jacksboro. The program, with an all-women staff, brings comfort and convenience to breast cancer screening with flexible appointments that take 20 minutes or less.
Upcoming mobile mammogram scheduled for next year on the following dates in 2023: Jan. 19, April 20, July 20, and Oct. 26.
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health plans cover all or part of breast cancer screenings. Women are urged to check with their medical insurance providers to learn more about coverage, but they should not delay having these essential screenings.
Talk with your primary care provider for more information about mammograms and other cancer screenings. To find a local medical provider, please visit www.fchtexas.com.
