October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Early detection is key.

by Rosemary O’Brien

Among women in the U.S., breast cancer is the second most common cause of death-third amongst Tricare patients.

A woman’s risk can be influenced by several factors – age, family history, even their race. (Your Primary Care Manager can advise you of your risk factors.)

Breast self-exams (BSE) are one of the most effective ways to prevent breast cancer. In fact, women who perform regular breast self-exams find 90% of all breast masses, cancerous and benign.

If you are high risk –

You may qualify for an MRI screening in addition to your regular mammogram. In 2007, Tricare changed its policy to include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) screening for women at high risk of developing breast cancer.

You should get a yearly mammogram beginning at age 35 (or younger if advised by your PCM).

How breast cancer is diagnosed –

“The most common way a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer is through their PCM,” says Dr. Frank Maguire, TriWest’s Senior Vice President of Healthcare Services. Frequently the patient finds a lump during her monthly breast self exam and then brings her concerns to her healthcare provider. They are also discovered during the annual physical exam. “I cannot stress enough the importance of conducting monthly breast self exams,” emphasizes Dr. Maguire. “Don’t be in denial and sit on it if you find something out of the ordinary. It could be too far advanced and more difficult to treat if you wait to see your doctor.”

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer –

You can receive almost any treatment that has been proven medically necessary; this includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation – all traditional forms of treatment.

Certain clinical studies may also be available to you. Several years ago in an effort to broaden available treatment options, the Department of Defense (DoD) entered into an agreement with the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and agreed to pay for participating in phase 2 and phase 3 clinical studies.

There are self-contained Breast Health Centers in several major military treatment facilities, and some are rather impressive. Breast health centers allow the patient the opportunity to get all of their diagnosis and treatment in one place. Mammograms, biopsies and radiation treatments are only some of the services offered to patients. Some even have what is known as a tumor board. Tumor boards convene on a regular basis and are when specialists from all disciplines involved with cancer care of the patient discuss a case, get a variety of opinions, and come up with the best treatment plan.