Caribbean Life, October 16-22, 2020 15
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October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month. As
our country grapples with
COVID-19, it’s more important
than ever to stay on top
of your health and increase
awareness of this devastating
disease, which impacts
one in eight women over
the course of their lifetime.
Every year, over 2,500 New
Yorkers lose their lives to
breast cancer, and these
numbers will continue to
rise if serious precautions
are not taken early on by
those who are at risk.
Here are four tips to consider
for breast cancer prevention
and awareness:
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Risk factors, including family
history, gene mutations,
or exposure to radiation,
can increase the potential
risk of breast cancer. The
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC)
recommends maintaining
a healthy weight and limiting
alcohol intake. The
first step is to be aware of
your risk factors and to discuss
them with your medical
provider.
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screen. Self-exams are an
important part of the process
when it comes to early
detection. Regular screenings
will help you understand
what is normal, so
you can easily detect any
changes and report them to
a health care professional
as soon as they occur. The
earlier the detection, the
better. Keep in mind, selfexams
are the most common
way that breast cancer
is discovered—especially
for women younger than 50
years old.
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Annual breast exams are
the primary screening tool
recommended every one
to three years for women
25 to 39 years of age. For
women 40 and older, mammography
is the primary
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screened frequently is the
most effective way to reduce
your risk by detecting
something early on. Talk
to a doctor about getting a
screening, and always call
your doctor immediately if
you have any concerns between
screenings.
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Breast cancer symptoms
can vary, but generally,
early signs can include:
skin changes in the
breast(s) such as swelling
or redness, change in the
shape, or general pain and
irritability in that part
of the body. Monthly selfexams
can help you notice
early signs of symptoms.
Each October, the country
raises awareness about
breast cancer, but it should
remain on our minds yearround.
If you have concerns,
talk to your doctor
and make a plan to get a
mammogram. And don’t
be afraid to ask for support
from a loved one if you feel
afraid or unsure—nobody
is in this alone.
For more information,
visit emblemhealth.com.
BUS INES S , B ROOKLYN S T Y LE
Increasing Awareness and Prevention for
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
REQUEST YOUR
ABSENTEE
BALLOT TODAY.
TRACK THE STATUS LATER.
1
Request & Track
2
Go to vote.nyc to find ways to
request an absentee ballot
3
Board of Elections
City of New York
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