By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Women don't like getting older. Who likes wrinkles and gray hair?
Getting older also increases a women's chances of getting breast cancer.
As October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it's a great time for women to focus on taking care of this area of their bodies.
The National Cancer Institute says everyone is likely to be affected by breast cancer as one in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Perhaps the easiest and best tool for detecting breast cancer is a mammogram, which is an x-ray picture of the breast.
Lane added young women who are diagnosed with cancer are able to fight it with the help these medications.
Like the National Cancer Institute, Lane said women in their 40s and older should have a mammogram every one to two years. Those who have a higher risk of breast cancer should get a mammogram every year and start at a younger age. Talk to your doctor about when you should get a mammogram, all advise.
Some women are concerned about the safety and quality of mammogram. A federal law, the Mammography Quality Standards Act, ensures that mammography is safe and reliable.
Women often give a variety of reasons as to why they don't get a mammogram. Some say they don't have time, some say it's painful, while others say they are too old to get breast cancer, just can't remember to go, they are scared they will have breast cancer or it's just too expensive, experts say.
Lane said there are programs across the country which do help provide mammograms for women who aren't able to afford them.
It's best to check with a local cancer service or your doctor, as they will be able to get information about such programs.
Another easy way to possibly detect breast cancer is to do a monthly self breast exam.
The Berrien County Cancer Services, which is funded in part through the United Way of Southwest Michigan and United Way of Greater Niles, plays a big part in the care of those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The nurse helps the patient with their wound and dressing care. Once they have healed and they start their chemotherapy treatments the nurse will then travel with them and help with their medications and injections if needed, Lane added.
The Berrien County Cancer Services also has a wig bank for women who have lost their hair during their chemotherapy treatments, as well as prothesis breasts and bras for women who have had a masectomy.
Finally they have a general cancer support group where cancer patients help each other with encouragement and support.
All of the services provided by the Berrien County Cancer Services are free.
For more information on breast cancer and its detection contact the Berrien County Cancer Services, which is located at 227 1/2 Main Street, Niles, can be contacted at (269) 683-7460.
Information on breast cancer can also be found at the National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov; the American Cancer Society, at www.cancer.org or the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, at www.komen.org.