Think Pink

A Message from Dr. Stephen Kindred – Assistant Vice President, Corporate Medical

Did you know that simply being a woman and getting older increases your risk for developing breast cancer? If you have a family history of breast cancer, your risk is 2 to 5 times higher than for women with no history. Although they make up less than 1% of all cases, men can also develop breast cancer.

According to American Cancer Society research, evidence suggests that one-third of the more than 500,000 cancer deaths that occur in the United States each year can be attributed to diet and physical activity habits, while another third is caused by exposure to tobacco products. The remaining third involves things beyond our control, such as:

  • Early menstruation in females, prior to age 12.
  • Birth of first child after age 30 or never having a child.
  • Completed menopause after age 55.

Signs and Symptoms
Knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer may help save your life. If discovered early, you have more treatment options and a better chance for a cure. Although it is the most common sign of breast cancer for both men and women, not all breast lumps are cancerous. Often, the lump is painless. Other potential signs of breast cancer include:

  • Spontaneous clear or bloody discharge from the nipple.
  • Retraction or indention of the nipple, as well as nipple tenderness.
  • Changes in the size and/or contours of the breast.
  • Flattening or indentation of the skin over your breast.
  • Scaly redness or pitting of skin over the breast; like the skin of an orange peel.
  • Lumps or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area.

A number of conditions other than breast cancer can cause your breasts to change in size or feel. Breast tissue changes naturally during pregnancy and your menstrual cycle. Other possible causes of noncancerous (benign) breast changes include fibrocystic changes, cysts, fibroadenomas, infection or injury.

If you find a lump or any other change in your breast — even if a recent mammogram was normal — see your medical care provider for evaluation as soon as possible.

Empower Yourself
One of the best methods for early cancer detection is monthly self-exams. Scheduling regular clinical breast exams with a doctor or nurse and follow their recommendations regarding screening mammograms is also important. Clinical breast exams should be performed every three years from ages 20-40, then annually after age 40. Screening mammograms are recommended every one or two years starting at age 40. Depending on your family history, you may need earlier or additional evaluations.

On August 30, 2008 EHS employees Stacey, Texas Zone, and Tina, Mid-Atlantic Zone, along with over 3,000 other women and girls participated in the 26th Annual Charlottesville Women’s four miler. State Farm Insurance was represented by a total of 135 women who formed a State Farm team. 110 of the women on the team were employees, which included Peggy, VPO in the Charlottesville Operations Center.

"Several State Farm agents and departments sponsored teams by supplying the 135 participants signed up for the race with a State Farm team shirt. The grand total raised and donated was over $300,000.00. All proceeds benefit the University of Virginia Cancer Center Breast Care which supports local breast cancer awareness.  The UVA center represents the commitment locally for breast cancer health and education.

“I love the community of women I have met,” said Stacey. “They are powerful and determined! Many are continuing this journey of running and walking; I plan to do so as well. Our purpose is helping others, but we are also helping ourselves.”

This cause hits home for Tina, whose mom and aunt are both cancer survivors. “With this disease effecting one out of every eight women it’s not a surprise that I have met so many associates affected by breast cancer,” said Tina. “Many were participants at this event; either running or volunteering. State Farm’s continued community involvement is awesome. I am very proud to be a State Farm employee. We truly are good neighbors!”

I encourage and challenge you to take a critical look at your current health status and get involved in taking charge of your own health. You may have already been told by your health care provider that you “need to” or “have to” make changes and there is never a better time than the present to empower yourself to Live Well, Be Well.

Women’s Health Checklist:

The American Cancer Society (ACS) updates its guidelines for cancer prevention every five years. Click here to view the 2006 ACS Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines.

For more information, or to learn more about how you can help prevent cancer, call the ACS toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Additional Resources:
 
 

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