Thinking pink: Breast cancer awareness month Published Oct. 18, 2010 By Master Sgt. Tracy Buechler 5th Medical Support Squadron MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- It is time to think pink. This October marks the 26th anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness month. National Breast Cancer Awareness month was formed by several national public service organizations, professional medical associations and government agencies to build breast cancer awareness. The pink ribbon is now an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the U.S., aside from skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 192,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. More than 40,000 will die from the disease. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. Whether it was a friend, relative or coworker, many Air Force Global Strike Command members have been touched by breast cancer. While there is no good way to prevent breast cancer, there are things to do to detect breast cancer before it advances. Prevention is the key. Screening for breast cancer is important. Breast self exams are necessary for women in their 20s. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinic breast exam by a health technician at least every three years. Women the age of 40 and older should have a screening mammogram and a CBE every year. An SBE should be done monthly. Several factors can increase risk for breast cancer. The first is being female. Men do get breast cancer, but it is approximately 100 times less common in men than women. Risk also increases with age, having a personal or family history of breast, ovarian or prostate cancer as well as having menopause after the age of 55. Also, not having children before the age of 35 and not breastfeeding increases the risk. Having high levels of estrogen in the system, which occurs with being overweight, is yet another risk factor. There are several warning signs of breast cancer including the presence of a hard lump or thickening in the breast, change in size of breast, itchy scales on a nipple and nipple discharge that starts suddenly. Skin changes can also be noted to include swelling, warmth, redness or darkened skin or a pulling of the skin around the nipple. Dimpling or puckering of the skin and a new pain in one spot on the breast that doesn't go away are more possible signs. While these signs can be found in other benign conditions, they should be checked by a healthcare professional. During the month of October, there will be several activities supporting breast cancer awareness. Some of the local events on base include displays at the clinic, a health fair and a luncheon. The health fair, which is a free event for anyone able to access the base, will be held at the Jimmy Doolittle Center Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon. The health fair's overall goal is to increase breast cancer awareness. The fair also serves to bring attention to supporting organizations in search of a cure, as well as for those who are dealing with breast cancer. The luncheon will be at the JDC Oct. 29, beginning at 11:30 a.m. There will also be an auction with quilted items donated by local guilds and individuals as well as drawings for themed baskets. All proceeds will be donated to the Combined Federal Campaign organization in support of breast cancer research and assists patients with breast cancer. If interested in attending the luncheon, please RSVP by calling Toni at 723-5135 or Darla at 723-5103 by Oct. 25.