Dear Residents,

Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for women in the United States, apart from skin cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), invasive breast cancer was the leading cause of new cancers diagnosed (incidence rate) and the second leading cause of cancer deaths (mortality rate) among females in the United States (US) from 2017-2021. Female breast cancer rates are higher in New Jersey than in the US overall. It is estimated that for every 100,000 females in NJ, 177 were diagnosed with breast cancer from 2017-2021.

Mammograms are the most effective screening tool to detect breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Mammograms are X-ray pictures of your breasts that doctors use to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms (also known as screening mammograms) can help doctors find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. 

Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies cover screening mammograms as part of routine preventive care. Additionally, the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (NJCEED) Program provides comprehensive outreach, education, and screening services for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancers. People eligible for these services must be at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level and be uninsured or under-insured. To apply for the CEED Program, please call 201-634-2660 or 201-336-3350.

New Jersey CEED Locations
 
Even with regular screening mammograms, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk factors for developing breast cancer. The main risk factors for developing breast cancer include being a woman, being older (most breast cancers are found in women who are age 40 and up), and having changes in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.

The good news is that there are several things you can do to help lower your risk of developing breast cancer:

• Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly
• Don’t drink alcohol or limit the amount of alcohol you drink
• Breastfeed your baby/babies, if possible
• If you have a family history of breast cancer or inherited changes in your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, talk to your doctor about other ways to lower your risk.

Talk with your doctor about your risk factors, and they can help you decide how often to get a screening mammogram.

Source: CDC and Invasive Female Breast Cancer in New Jersey

Take care,

NWBRHC Staff