Breast Cancer Awareness in Greensboro

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women and age is one of the largest risk factors.

Breast cancer is a form of cancer where cancer cells form in the tissues of the breast. Determining the extent of the disease results in the cancer being assigned a stage upon diagnosis. The best defense against a late-stage diagnosis is early detection through an annual mammography or other breast exams.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Not everyone with a diagnosis will experience any or all symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Any change in the size or shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast
• A new lump in the breast or underarm

Breast Cancer Statistics

• Roughly 13% of women in the US will develop breast cancer in their lifetime
• It is the 2nd most common cancer in American women, only behind skin cancers
• Approximately 30% of all new female cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer
• The 5-year survival rate for early-stage cancer is over 99% – early detection makes a huge difference
• Those with a close relative who have been diagnosed are nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer
• The median age for a US woman diagnosed is 62 years old
• While most breast cancers are found in women 50 years or older, younger women can still develop the disease
• Less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men

How to Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk

Breast cancer can be a scary thought, but there are things you can do to help lower your risk.

• Keep a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Don’t drink alcohol, or drink in moderation
• Ask your doctor about the risks of taking hormone replacement therapy

Local Resources Available in Greensboro

Cone Health – They provide free or low-cost breast and cervical cancer screenings and services to eligible women throughout Greensboro. To be eligible, women must be 40-64 years old, meet income requirements, are uninsured, and do not have Medicare Part B or Medicaid. They also help fund the Mobile Mammography in conjunction with DRI Health. The Mobile Mammography unit travels throughout the area to make breast cancer screening more convenient for women. Procedures in the unit take about 10 minutes are covered by most insurance providers.

Free Mammograms – They are an online database of free mammogram screenings across the country. Follow the link to view screening resources in Greensboro.

Griswold is Here for You

A breast cancer diagnosis can bring changes to everyday routines for both the person receiving treatment and the family members supporting them. Our Caregivers are here to provide compassionate, non-medical support that can make life at home a little easier during treatment and recovery. Our Caregivers can assist with homemaking, including light housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, and other household tasks that may be difficult to keep up with during treatment. We can also provide transportation to appointments, helping clients get to treatments, follow-up visits, and other important appointments.

For family Caregivers, our respite care services can provide a much-needed break from Caregiving responsibilities. Whether support is needed for a few hours or more regularly, a Caregiver can step in, so family members have time to rest, work, run errands, or simply recharge. From occasional assistance to 24-hour home care, we can personalize support around each client’s routines, preferences, and needs while helping them maintain their independence, comfort, and dignity at home. We provide home care services throughout Greensboro and the surrounding areas. Give us a call today to learn more about how our Caregivers can support you and your family.