CDC numbers reveal Idaho’s most prevalent form of cancer - East Idaho News
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CDC numbers reveal Idaho’s most prevalent form of cancer

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This story is brought to you by Grand Peaks Medical and Dental, a multi-specialty, non-profit, Community Health Center in St. Anthony and Rexburg.

October and pink seem to be synonymous with Breast Cancer Awareness these days. It’s easy to think of breast cancer as a “national problem” that “other” people in the country face, but the reality is that we are fighting it on a local level as well.

The last available numbers from the CDC show Idaho’s most prevalent form of cancer is female breast cancer. Rates of cancer cases from 2013 show breast cancer has Idaho’s highest new cancer case rates, an estimated 120.4 per 100,000 people. And roughly 22.2 per 100,000 will not beat the disease.

Click here for a breakdown of the numbers by county.

Dr. Jacob K. Curtis at Grand Peaks Medical and Dental says 85 percent of cases are diagnosed as a result of an abnormal screening while 15 percent are first brought to attention by a patient.

The numbers show screening and awareness is key in detecting breast cancer. The American Cancer Society says the survival rate after five years for women with stage 0 or 1 breast cancer is close to 100 percent.

Not sure if you should be screened?

Curtis said the warning signs can include a hard, immovable lump in breast tissue, swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, or skin changes on the skin over breast tissue like redness, thickening, or a dimpled appearance.

Other symptoms may include unexplained back or leg pain, abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice, of shortness of breath with or without a cough.

Although breast cancer affects predominately women, men can also get breast cancer and should see a health care provider if they experience any abnormality in their pectoral area.

It’s always best to discuss the benefits and risks of any procedure, including screening, with a medical professional.

For people of average risk, the current guidelines are below.

breast-cancer-screening

Still hesitant about getting checked?

Eastern Idaho Public Health provides breast and cervical cancer screenings for uninsured women who meet certain criteria. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance policies are required to provide mammograms starting at age 40 with no deductibles or co-insurance.

Grand Peaks is looking forward to October and raising breast cancer awareness to stress the importance of early detection and treatment to save lives.

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