October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Is It Time to Schedule Your Mammogram?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is observed in October of every year. Founded in 1985 as a partnership among several national public service organizations, professional medical associations and government agencies, BCAM is an international health campaign designed to promote mammography as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer. A secondary purpose is to raise funds for research into the causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and potential cures for this increasingly common condition, as well as life-saving education and critical patient support.
Since the founding of BCAM more than 30 years ago, significant progress has been made in advancing breast cancer awareness, detection and treatment. Even so, there is still much to be accomplished. For this reason, BCAM continues to be observed nationally with a commitment to educating and empowering all individuals to take charge of their own breast health by:
- Learning to perform breast self-examinations
- Performing regular self-exams to identify any changes in their breasts
- Scheduling regular visits with a health care provider
- Having mammograms performed at the frequency recommended by a physician
- Following their prescribed treatment plans, if applicable
- Knowing the facts about breast cancer recurrence
Although October is officially designated as BCAM, Moffitt Cancer Center is committed to supporting these initiatives throughout the year. We are proud to serve as a trusted resource for anyone who is or can potentially be affected by breast cancer, including current patients, survivors, families and caregivers, as well as the general public.
Over the years, we have learned that much can be done when people join together in the fight against breast cancer. As a nationally recognized leader in cancer research, Moffitt continues to make significant strides every single day. One day soon, we hope to fully understand how breast cancer develops and spreads so that we can stop it in its tracks, and we envision a world where no one will have to fear breast cancer ever again.
If you would like more information, you are welcome to speak with a breast cancer expert at Moffitt Cancer Center with or without a referral. Call 1-888-663-3488 or complete our new patient registration form online.