DOH Leon Marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 

October 11, 2022

 

 

DOH-LEON PROMOTES EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH-Leon) joins the American Cancer Society in recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. DOH Leon encourages all women to receive regular screenings to promote early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Aside from non-melanoma skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Over the last decade, survival rates have increased, however, early detection continues to be critically important.

According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that more than 43,000 people this year will die from breast cancer in the U.S., with an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer being diagnosed. According to Florida Health Charts, in Leon County, the incidence rate for breast cancer was 123 per 100,000 women for 2019.

"This month serves as a crucial reminder to spread awareness and encourage our loved ones to schedule routine mammograms as well as personal breast exams, said Brandi Knight, MPH, DOH Leon Health Administrator.  “We know that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and that early detection is key.  While we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, our efforts to increase awareness and support for fighters and survivors continues year-round."

Some of the warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer are:

• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
• Pulling in of the nipple
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
• Any change in the size or shape of the breast
• Pain in the breast

These symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not cancer. If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your health care provider right away.

DOH Leon will be working especially hard during the month of October to call attention to this deadly disease, with a focus on the importance of early detection. The Florida Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (FBCCEDP) provides access to the breast and cervical cancer screenings doctors recommend. The screenings are free or low cost for women who meet program eligibility requirements. Individuals can call DOH-Leon at 850-404-6404 to learn more about this program or call the American Cancer Society National Hotline at 1-800-227-2345.

Additionally, DOH Leon is joining dedicated healthcare partners for several events to help educate and empower women during breast cancer awareness month. They include:

Leon County Board of County Commissioners Present a Proclamation Commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 11, 2022
County Commission Chambers
County Courthouse, 301 S. Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32301
3:00 p.m.
DOH Leon’s Health Officer will receive the proclamation.

 

Conversations on Breast Health and Community Resources

October 21, 2022
Neighborhood Medical Center
3013 Jim Lee Road Tallahassee, FL 32301
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
One-on-One Interactions
Information on free/low-cost Breast Cancer Screening Program
Scheduling Assistance and Transportation Support
Giveaways

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Health Fair

October 25, 2022
Bond Community Health Center
1720 S Gadsden St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Free or Low-Cost Screening for patients
Tech Care X-Ray on-site for scheduled patients
Blood Pressure Screening
Educational Information
Giveaways

For additional information and guidance on breast cancer, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Submitted by:
Pamela Saulsby | Public Information Officer
Pamela.saulsby@flhealth.gov
Follow DOH Leon on Twitter @Healthyleonfl