SARASOTA — In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) – Sarasota encourages all women to receive regular screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Important advances have been made through increased awareness, breast cancer screenings and better treatments. “Breast cancer screening remains the best way to detect cancer early when it is easiest to treat,” said DOH – Sarasota Health Officer Chuck Henry. “We want to ensure that women know when to screen and have access to screening.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, no matter your race or ethnicity1. The American Cancer Society estimates over 20,000 new cases are expected in Florida this year alone2. In 2019, more than 3,000 women in Florida died from Female Breast Cancer3 , including 101 women in Sarasota County. What should women do? Make time for screen time. Women should talk to their health care provider about their individual risk factors and the frequency of receiving mammograms, as well as complete any recommended mammogram screenings. Additionally, women can lower their risk by following these steps: · Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. · Be physically active. · Limit or avoid alcohol · Choose to breast feed .· Quit smoking and/or vaping. According to Henry, in general, women ages 50-74 should screen every two years, and women below age 50 with symptoms or a family history of breast cancer should talk with their healthcare provider about screening as well. Make plans to receive a Free 3D mammogram by registering for Breast Fest, scheduled for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library,2801 Newtown Blvd., Sarasota. Call (941) 861-2676 to register for an appointment. Appointments are required. The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (FCCEDP) provides access to the breast and cervical cancer screenings doctors recommend. The screenings are free or low cost if you meet the program eligibility requirements. To see if you qualify, call DOH-Sarasota at: (941) 861-2676. 1U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/index.htm. (accessed 13 September 2021). 2 American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2021 3Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Community Health Assessment. Community Health Assessment Resource Tool Set. http://www.flhealthcharts.com/ChartsReports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=Death.TenYrsRpt&cid=0084. (accessed 13 September 2021). |
About the Florida Department of Health: The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov. |