It hardly seems possible that October is just a few days away. It seems like only yesterday that I was planning out September’s Life Insurance Awareness. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a collaboration of National Public Service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information about this disease, and provide more access to services. Balanced Care would like to help by providing as much education about this disease as possible as well as ways to protect yourself.
Here are some facts about breast cancer in the United States:
- One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
- Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
- Breast cancer is the second leading causing death among women.
- Each year, it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 40,000 will die from the disease.
- Although breast cancer is rare in men, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed and approximately 410 die each year.
What is cancer?
The normal cells in your body grow, divide and die throughout your lifetime. By contrast, cancer cells grow and divide at an uncontrollable rate, and they don’t die. Cancerous cells that invade nearby tissue and spread (metastasize) into other parts of the body are considered harmful or malignant. Unlike normal cells, these cancerous cells can’t be repaired by your body’s immune system. With breast cancer, a malignant tumor starts in the cells of the breast.
What causes cancer?
Some individuals are more likely to develop the disease because they inherit cancer-prone DNA. Most of the time, though, there are four common contributors to cancer. They are:
- Smoking – Cigarettes are cigars contain known cancer causing agents that increase the risk of at least 15 types of cancer.
- Secondhand Smoke – Secondhand smoke contains about 4,000 chemicals, about 50 of which are known to cause cancer.
- Alcohol – People who drink an excess amount of alcohol face an increased risk of cancer.
- Sun Exposure – The suns projects ultraviolet rays, which can damage both your skin and eyes.
What are some of the symptoms of breast cancer?
Unfortunately in the early stages of breast cancer, there are normally no symptoms. As a tumor develops, you may notice these signs:
- A lump in the breast or underarm that persists after your menstrual cycle. This is often one of the first symptoms of breast cancer.
- Swelling in the armpit.
- Pain or tenderness in the breast. Lumps are normally painless, however, any pain or tenderness should be checked out.
- A noticeable flattening or indentation on the breast.
- Changes such as size, contour, texture or temperature of the breast.
- Change in the nipple such as discharge, itching or a burning sensation.
If you do experience any of these syptoms, bring them to your doctor’s attention as quickly as possible. At Balanced Care, we know that cancer may not be preventable, but the best plan is to emphasize healthy habits and regular care. When cancer is discovered early, patients have improved odds of long term survival.
Balanced Care provides Cancer Insurance to businesses for their employees as well as individuals in the states of NH and Maine. If you are diagnosed with cancer, your health insurance plan will pay for your health care. Cancer Insurance provides a lump sum payment upon your diagnosis, payments for having screening tests such as a mammogram, coverage for chemotherapy, radiation, and even transportation and family lodging. At Balanced Care, we want you to put your focus on your health and not your finances. We work with insurance companies that will provide protection against the uncovered medical and out of pocket costs associated with cancer and recovery.
The best way to fight breast cancer is to have a plan that will help you detect the disease at it’s earliest stage. Balanced Care encourages you to visit the American Cancer Society Website for information on where you can get a mammogram for free or low cost during the month of October as we all bring more awareness and help for you.
Terri Trepanier is the Owner of Balanced Care and a licensed insurance broker in New Hampshire and Maine. Located in Rochester, NH, she specializes in helping individuals and businesses with their Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance, Medicare Supplemental, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Accident, Critical Illness, and Cancer Plans. Terri knows the importance of insurance products and how they help individuals and families. She continually strives to give her clients the Peace Of Mind that each of us deserves.
Balanced Care – Providing Balance, Security, and Peace Of Mind