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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Twyla Ratliff, BSMT(ASCP)1, Farrah L. Robinson, BS2, J. Todd Liddell, BS2, Judith E. Taylor, EdD2, and Suzanne Liddell, MS3. (1) Health Education Graduate Class, Mississippi University for Women, 1203 Lake Drive, Amory, MS 38821, 662-256-4796, twylar@dixie-net.com, (2) Health Education, Mississippi University for Women, Columbus, MS, W-1636, Columbus, MS 39701, (3) Mississippi University for Women, Box-W, Columbus, MS 38821
BREAST CANCER:OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION IN RURAL MISSISSIPPI: PART 1: INTRODUCTION ABSTRACT
Breast cancer is defined as a malignant neoplasm which can invade the surrounding tissues and may metastasize to other sites. It can recur after removal and can eventually cause death if untreated. In the US approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. This makes breast cancer the most common cancer diagnosed in women. In 2001 there were 193,700 cases and 40,600 deaths attributed to breast cancer. The incidence of the disease has been increasing approximately 1% each year since 1973 and is expected to increase more as baby-boomers get older. The two most important risk factors are gender and increasing age. Other risk factors are not as easily identified and may include a family history of breast cancer, late menopause after age 55, and nullparity. Seventy-five percent of diagnosed women have no identifiable risk factors other than gender. Symptoms present as a mass or lump found in the breast. Early detection of a suspicious lump leads to a better prognosis since the cure rate is 90% for breast cancer that is found early. So the goal becomes promoting screening methods to improve early detection. These include breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography. Health education and health promotion play an important role in making women aware of screening methods and encouraging women to engage in these screening methods.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.