For Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, breast surgeons with ACS Cancer Programs are discussing what every woman should know about breast cancer. Last week, the ACS published a press release that laid out some of the key talking points about breast cancer in 2023, including a look at the recently updated breast cancer screening guidelines.
In videos posted to the ACS website, Ingrid Lizarraga, MBBS, FACS, CoC State Chair for Iowa and a breast surgical oncologist with the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, and Katharine Yao, MD, FACS, chair of the NAPBC and director of breast cancer research at NorthShore University HealthSystem, discuss the screening guidelines and the primary issues facing breast cancer patients.
- Young women are increasingly at risk—Though women over 50 are most diagnosed with breast cancer, more young women are being diagnosed with the disease, sometimes at advanced stages.
- Breast density is one factor that may increase risk—Starting in September 2024, all breast centers will be required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to notify women of their breast density in their mammogram report. Breast density is a risk factor for breast cancer and can impede useful imaging.
- Inequity persists and widens disparities—Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer than any other race or ethnic group and are also at increased risk of developing more aggressive forms of breast cancer.
- Decisions can be overwhelming—A breast cancer diagnosis takes a significant toll on a woman’s well-being. Research shows that a significant portion of breast cancer survivors struggle with reduced physical function, mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and fear of recurrence.
The ACS has provided a web page with a range of resources that journalists can use, including essential facts about breast cancer, information on the recently updated breast cancer screening guidelines, access to Drs. Lizarraga and Yao for interviews, and key takeaway messages.
In addition, in an effort to support outreach activities and increase awareness of breast cancer within your program and community, the CoC and the NAPBC have developed resources to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Staff at CoC and/or NAPBC-accredited programs can access the materials on the Quality Portal (Qport). Contact CoC@facs.org with any questions.
