Franklin – Franklin VNA & Hospice want to remind you that breast health is important! Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women. It is estimated that more than 40,500 women in the United States will die each year of this, the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. One in eight women in the United States are diagnosed every year. Although rare, men are diagnosed every year as well, approximately 2,470 per year. However, there are 3.3 million breast cancer survivors alive in the United States today!

Franklin VNA & Hospice want to help you become more knowledgeable about screening and early detection which is believed to be part of the declining death rate since 1990! New research and discoveries are happening every day! On September 4, 2018 researchers at the Susan G Komen Foundation identified previously unknown mutations associated with poor outcomes in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer!

    “Many women and men who have faced breast cancer and have been told they are ‘cancer-free’ live in fear of their cancer returning. For some, that fear will become a reality. It’s unacceptable,” said Paula Schneider, President and CEO of Komen. “That’s why we’re proud to fund researchers like Dr. Ellis who are finding new ways to identify patients at the highest risk of poor outcomes, so we can intervene earlier and save lives.”
   Knowing the signs and symptoms is your first step to early detection. Performing monthly self-exams allows you to know your own breasts and will give you the opportunity to identify any changes in your breast much faster than when your physician does an exam during your physical. Some things to look for: change in the size or shape of the breast, dimpling, nipple that is turned slightly inward or inverted, nipple tenderness, thickening in or near the breast or underarm area, change in skin texture, enlarged pores in the skin of the breast or a lump in the breast. Don’t be afraid to contact your physician if you notice anything has changed or seems unusual. Remember it is vital to have all lumps investigated by a healthcare professional, but not all lumps are cancerous.
    Here are some myths and facts that the Franklin VNA & Hospice would like to share to help you…
Drinking milk (or dairy) causes breast cancer – Although it is a common myth there have been studies that show the daily consumption of dairy does not increase the risk of breast cancer.
Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer – Only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be cancer. But, it should never be ignored! Always see a physician for a clinical exam and evaluation!
A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread – Actually, mammograms and x-rays of the breast are the current gold standard in early detection! The compression done during a mammogram cannot cause cancer to spread. The benefits of mammography far outweigh the potential risk of the very small doses of radiation you are exposure to during the mammogram.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop it too – Most women diagnosed have no family history. While you are at a higher risk with a family history, only 10% of individuals diagnosed have a family history of the disease. Speak to your physician about your family history to determine your risks to determine if any diagnostic testing should be altered from the norm.
Antiperspirant and deodorants cause breast cancer – Researchers at The National Cancer Institute are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking these daily hygiene products and the subsequent development of breast cancer.
    Franklin VNA & Hospice wants to help you to stay healthy, know your body and be your own advocate! Together we can detect early, fight and survive while finding a cure!  

You have a choice in your homecare provider. Choose local. Choose Franklin VNA & Hospice. For more information, call Franklin VNA & Hospice at (603) 934-3454 or visit www.FranklinVNA.org Your choice, your local VNA.
75 CHESTNUT STREET FRANKLIN, NH 03235