MINNEAPOLIS — The American Cancer Society says 5,000 Minnesota women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.
For years the medical community has debated at what age women should begin formal screenings for breast cancer. On April 30, the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) declared that 19% more lives can be saved if women begin clinical screening at age 40. Learn more in this statement from the chair of the USPSTF.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation says nine percent of new breast cancer cases occur in women younger than 45 years of age. The new recommendation from USPSTF calls for screenings to begin at age 40 and continue every two years until age 74.
Who is the U. S. Preventive Services Task Force and why do they carry such clout? The 16-member USPSTF was founded in 1984 as an independent, volunteer panel of primary care professionals and prevention experts. The Task Force uses evidence-based research to make health recommendations. Their goal is to improve health and longevity by preventing disease and prolonging life.
The USPSTF submits a report to Congress each year. It outlines gaps in medical research and recommends areas that deserve priority for new research. Task Force members are appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. They serve four-year terms. Click here to see who is on the current Task Force.
Buddy Check 11 Day!
Regular self-exams also play an important role in discovering cancer. That’s why Health Fair 11 sends monthly email reminders to do breast self-exams (BSEs). The more familiar you are with your body, the more likely you will notice when something changes.
On Buddy Check 11 Day, the 11th of each month, we ask you to do a BSE. The National Breast Cancer Foundation has produced a video on how to do the self-exam. Click here to watch the video. Use your fingertips to feel for lumps, bumps, thickenings, puckering, or rashes. Be sure to check the area of the breast located near your armpit!
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s important to get an evaluation from a medical professional. Pick up your phone and schedule an appointment to get an exam from an expert. While you have your phone out, call/text/email/ a “Buddy” and encourage them to do their own self-exam. When you both do regular self-exams, you’re more likely to notice if something has changed in your body.
Get on the Buddy Check 11 email list! Click here to signup!
Just the Facts
The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates 310,720 women will get a breast cancer diagnosis this year. One out of every 8 women will get a breast cancer diagnosis during her lifetime. The good news? Early detection and treatment means the 5-year survival rate is as high as 99%! Find more interesting data here.
About Health Fair 11
Health Fair 11 is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide health education and free or low-cost health checks.
Health Fair 11 is responsible sending monthly reminders. Health Fair 11 is looking for new sponsorships to sustain our work. Your company can be part of our Buddy Check 11 program in 2024. In return, we’ll include your company’s logo along with a message about its work. You may also have access to the Buddy Check 11 public service announcements that air each month on KARE 11 TV. (KARE is our media partner.)
To learn more, or suggest financial opportunities to explore, contact us at 763-797-7299 or reach us via email at healthfair@kare11.com .