Spread the hope, find a cure Published Oct. 2, 2013 By Capt. Darci Parker 5th Medical Operations Squadron MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- It's time for our Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon! It seems like each year I know of someone new, a friend, a family member or an acquaintance, who has been affected by breast cancer. This makes Breast Cancer Awareness Month even more important - to recognize those who have fought the battle against breast cancer and to help promote breast cancer awareness and prevention. Like myself, most people have been touched by breast cancer in some way. Although screening and treatments continue to improve, the American Cancer Society estimates that 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, and 39,620 women will die from this disease in 2013. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Screening for breast cancer is important. Although our guidelines seem to be continually changing in regards to when to start mammogram screening, it is important to follow up with your health care provider to discuss your personal risk of breast cancer and when breast cancer screening initiation will be the most beneficial for you. Monthly self-breast exams are also an important screening tool. Here are some things to look for when you are doing your breast exam: · A hard lump or thickening in the breast · Change in the size of your breast · Itchy scales on your nipple · Nipple discharge · Breast skin changes to include swelling , warmth, redness or darkened skin · Dimpling or puckering of the breast · Pain in one area of the breast that doesn't go away. Follow up with your health care provider with any of these signs. Although there are no definitive breast cancer prevention strategies, there are some things that increase your risk of breast cancer. Approximately 5-10 percent of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary. Women and men who have a significant family history of breast cancer may carry a gene mutation that puts them at a greater risk for breast cancer. If you feel you have a significant family history of breast cancer, talk with your health care provider about whether you are eligible for genetic testing. There are several other risk factors for breast cancer. Women have a 100 times greater chance of developing breast cancer than men. Not having children, or not having children before the age of 35 years old, not breastfeeding, and reaching menopause after the age of 55 years old can increase your risk. And, as you age your risk also increases. Two out of three breast cancers are in women over the age of 55 years old. This year our Breast Cancer Awareness luncheon will be held at the Jimmy Doolittle Center on Oct. 22. A health fair, which is a free event for anyone who can access the base, will be held before and after the luncheon from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will feature dinner music by the Northern Lights String Quartet. Pam Pearson, a Trinity Cancer Care Center Nurse Practitioner will speak on breast cancer research and trends. Also, breast cancer survivor Carrie Schweitzer will talk about her personal challenges while facing cancer twice. Last year, our luncheon raised $3,500, which was donated to the Combined Federal Campaign organization in support of breast cancer research. This year, we hope to match or exceed that amount. An auction of donated quilts from local guilds, as well as a silent auction of themed baskets will take place during the luncheon. Come early so you can place your bids! If you would like to attend the luncheon, please RSVP by calling Dona Kosel at 723-3134 or Darla Helgeson at 723-5103 by Oct. 18, 2013. The cost of the luncheon is $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Turkey Swiss Wrap with Cheesy Tortilla Soup or Santa Fe Chicken Salad will be served.