Breast Cancer Awareness in Alexandria

Early detection saves lives. Don’t forget to get screened for breast cancer.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Griswold Home Care for Northern Virginia East wants to remind you to get screened for Breast Cancer. Early detection can greatly increase survival rates. When detected at an early stage and when the cancer is still localized, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is nearly 99%. Not only does early detection improve survival outcomes, it also allows for less invasive treatment options, including the possibility of not needing chemotherapy.

Breast Cancer Screenings

Guidelines

There are general recommendations, based on age, that allow for a starting point for women to know when they should start getting screened. Keep in mind risk factors for an individual may change these.

40-44: When women should begin to have the option to start annual mammograms.

45-54: This is when women should start with annual mammograms.

55+: Depending on health and preferences, women can choose between annual and bi-annual mammograms.

Types of Screening Available

• Mammograms: This is the most common screening. They use low-dose X-rays to detect changes in breast tissue.
• Breast Ultrasound: Typically, a supplemental tool for those with dense breast tissue or when a mammogram detects an abnormality.
• MRI: This is the recommended screening tool for women at higher risk of breast cancer.
• Self-Exams: No longer pushed as the primary detection method, it can still be useful to be familiar with your breasts’ normal look and feel and can help identify changes worth discussing with your doctor.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

There are a handful of individual factors that may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. These can be due to genetic, lifestyle, or environmental factors. Risk factors include:

• A family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• A personal history of breast cancer or other non-cancerous breast diseases
• Genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA 2
• Exposure to chest radiation therapy

Local Resources in Alexandria

Inova – Inova’s breast cancer program is a nationally recognized treatment program that provides breast cancer care from risk assessment and prevention to diagnosis and treatment. This program at Inova Schar Cancer Institute provides highly specialized breast cancer care convenient to you, with multiple locations throughout Northern Virginia. They offer mammography services throughout the area including Mount Vernon, Fairfax, Alexandria, and more.

Every Woman’s Life – The Virginia Department of Health offers this public health program. It helps uninsured, low-income women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screening services. To be eligible, you must be a Virginia resident between the ages of 18-64, meet federal income guidelines, and be uninsured.

Breast Cancer Collective – Their mission is to improve breast cancer survivability by expanding equitable access to screening, diagnostic care, and follow-up treatment. Their formerly known as the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Their focus is on eliminating practical, financial, and systemic barriers that delay diagnosis and treatment.

How Can Griswold Help?

If you or someone you care about is on the journey of recovering from breast cancer in Alexandria, Griswold is here to support you. You’re not alone in this. Our dedicated home care services provide personal care, homemaking, and companionship through our experienced caregivers. We’re committed to helping you live with peace of mind. Reach out to us today to discover how we can assist you best. We can create a personalized care plan, and often have a caregiver available to come to your home within 24 hours.