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Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the United States. Lung cancer is ranked first.
All women can get breast cancer and it is most often found in women ages 50 and older, according to the New York State Department of Health. Regular check-ups and screening tests can find breast cancer at an earlier stage, when it is easiest to treat.
The new Center for Breast Health at Columbia Memorial Health in Hudson remains on schedule to open in January 2023, CMH spokesman William Van Slyke confirmed Monday.
“Our work is advancing as we planned and the center will be ready to open on time,” Van Slyke said.
Women ages 50 to 74 years should get a mammogram every two years. Some women should be screened for breast cancer younger than age 50.
The most important action women can take is to have routine breast cancer screenings. Early detection is the key to survival.
“We’re renovating existing space in the Medical Office Building on the lower level of the hospital,” Columbia Memorial Health Foundation Executive Director Barbara Klassen said. “This will centralize all the services in one location and provide easy access for patients.”
The COVID-19 pandemic caused many women to miss their mammograms. Getting a mammogram regularly is the best way to find breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in New York State, according to the Department of Health. Each year in New York, more than 16,800 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 2,500 women die from the disease. It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her life.
Breast cancer is more common among older women. The risk for getting breast cancer increases with age. More than three-quarters of women who get breast cancer are over the age of 50. White women are more likely to get breast cancer than Black women, but, once they have the disease, Black women are more likely to die from it.
Asian and Hispanic women are less likely to get breast cancer than White women or Black women. Also, women of higher socioeconomic status (those whose family incomes are above average) are more likely to get breast cancer. Scientists believe this may be related to having their first child at an older age, fewer pregnancies, diet and possible other characteristics shared by women in higher income groups, according to the Department of Health.
Several risk factors including family history, genetics, personal history, hormonal factors and not breastfeeding are believed to be instrumental in developing breast cancer.
“Breast health requires specialized care,” said Dr. Rakel Astorga, Columbia Memorial Health physician and breast health expert. “The planned Center for Breast Health will allow CMH to offer seamless, technologically advanced care.”
Greene County had an average of 46 annual breast cancer cases among women from 2015 to 2019, according to the state Department of Health. The rate per 100,000 women in those five years is 136.2, according to the department. The average annual death toll due to breast cancer is seven from 2015 to 2019. The death rate per 100,000 women in those five years is 22, according to the department.
In Columbia County, the average annual number of breast cancer cases is 67 from 2015 to 2019, according to the state Department of Health. The rate per 100,000 women in those five years is 143.3. The average annual death toll due to breast cancer from 2015 to 2019 is eight and the average death rate per year is 14.3 for those five years.
The most common sign of breast cancer is a previously undetected lump or mass, according to the state Department of Health. A mass that is painless, hard and has irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous, but breast cancers can be tender, soft or rounded. It is important that any new mass, lump or change in the breast be checked by a health care provider.
More than three million breast cancer survivors are living in the United States. Great improvements have been made in breast cancer treatment over the past 20 years. People with breast cancer are living longer and healthier lives than ever before and many new breast cancer treatments have fewer side effects.
“Another feature of patient care (at the center) will be a new position called the Patient Navigator for Breast Health, who will help patients eliminate confusion of options, plan timely screenings, help out with insurance questions and generally provide patient support,” Klassen said.
Women react differently when they are diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the state Department of Health. Some feel fear, anxiety, anger or disbelief. Rising emotions can make it difficult to concentrate and move forward with treatment decisions. Other women find it helpful to have someone they trust help them sort through the many feelings they experience and help them find information about treatment choices and other resources.
Services planned for the Center for Breast Health include screening and diagnostic 3D mammography, screening and diagnostic ultrasound, stereotactic breast biopsy and ultrasound guided biopsy. Education on breast health, consultation on treatment decisions and support groups for patients and their families will also be provided.
From the time of a cancer diagnosis, during cancer treatment and after treatment, a person is considered a cancer survivor. There are steps that survivors can take to stay healthy after cancer treatment is finished. It is also important to remember that cancer can return, making regular follow-up with health care teams important.
Seeing your health care team regularly after you finish treatment is of utmost importance. At first, you will probably have appointments every three to six months. Usually, the longer you have been free of cancer, the less often the appointments will be needed.
Keep seeing your regular doctor (primary care provider) for regular medical checkups.
Tell your health care provider right away about any health problems or any changes in the area where you had treatment or in your other breast.
Keep getting mammograms and clinical breast exams as recommended by your doctor.
Encourage your close relatives (daughters, sisters, and mothers) to have recommended breast cancer screenings. Breast cancer survivors can become champions and leaders for others.
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