Breast Cancer Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Machiko Arita
  • 374th Airlift Wing public affairs
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to acknowledge this members of Team Yokota participated in an awareness run Oct. 6, 2017.

The run was hosted by the 374th Medical Group department of radiology and health promotions to raise awareness about the importance of early detection for breast cancer.

Nearly 200 runners of all ages participated in the 5K run.

According Lt.Col. Erik Abrames, 374th Surgical Operations Squadron radiologist, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, one out of eight women get diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Although breast cancer in men is uncommon, an estimated 2,000 men in America get diagnosed with breast cancer every year as well.

“Many patients can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early,”said Abrames. “A mammogram (the screening test for breast cancer) can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.

“There is huge difference when you detect breast cancer early or late. If it’s detected early there are lots of treatment options and the prognosis is really good, if it’s detected late then it can be very unfortunate. It can be spread everywhere.”

Abrames highly recommends women 40 and older to get a mammogram every year, and all women to perform breast self-exams monthly.

“A lot of breast cancer is detected by women who feel a lump,” said Abrames. “So establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important, as well as, getting a screening mammogram.”

If you haven’t received screening mammogram at Yokota after the age of 40, contact radiology for an appointment or for questions at 225-7371.