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Nurse’s Notes OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTHBreast Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related death among women. The vast majority of breast cancer occurs in women, although men can develop breast cancer too. Breast cancer in men accounts for about 5% of all diagnosed breast cancers. A diagnosis of breast cancer is alarming, but the good news is that most women recover from it. Improvements in breast cancer detection have helped to limit the harmful potential of this disease. Overall, about 83% of women survive breast cancer, as shown by recent 5-year survival statistics. If breast cancer is detected and treated in the early stages, the chances of complete recovery are even better. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health plans cover all of part of the cost for mammography. Breast cancer testing in now more available to women without health insurance for free or at very little cost through a special program called the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). The Texas Department of Health has information about the program. There is also a new program to help pay for breast cancer treatment for women in need. To learn more about this program, you can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 1-888-842-6355 or on the Internet at www.cdc.gov/cancer |
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