Breast Cancer Awareness Month

When the calendar flips to the month of October, it’s not just pumpkins and mums that are symbolic of this month. We’ve all become accustomed to the pink ribbons seen practically everywhere representing the campaign to fight breast cancer.

Breast cancer receives global attention because it is the most common cancer worldwide, according to the Mayo Clinic, and the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States.

The Top Cancers in the United States

Breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers account for almost 50% of all new cancer cases in the U.S., based on stats from the National Cancer Institute. Lung and bronchus, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers are responsible for nearly 50% of all deaths.

In 2022, invasive breast cancer is estimated to be newly diagnosed in 287,850 women, as incidence rates continue to increase by about 0.5% annually.

#FightLikeAGirl

So, when you see publicity about Pink Week, otherwise known as Breast Cancer Awareness Week (October 4–6), and Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, this campaign is designed to educate about the need for screenings and early detection opportunities that can save lives. There is substantial research funding for breast cancer which has helped create advances in its diagnosis and treatment. Thanks to growing awareness campaigns regarding breast cancer over the years, fewer American women are dying from it. Deaths from breast cancer are down 42% over a 30-year period.

However, there’s a long way to go. While many nations are seeing a significant reduction in deaths, globally, there is still a great need for preventative measures in low-resource countries. The World Health Organization says breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world, impacting an estimated 2.3 million people.

Breast Cancer Basics

The American Cancer Society defines cancer as a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that can result in death if not treated.

Breast cancer itself can occur in the lining cells (epithelium) of the ducts (85%) or lobules (15%) in the glandular tissue of the breast.

Breast cancer most commonly presents as a painless lump or thickening in the breast. If you find a lump, see your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis can often be the key to successful treatment.

If it progresses, it can attack the surrounding breast tissue and become invasive and spread or metastasize to lymph nodes or other organs.

Early Detection Leads to Cures

Early detection is the best defense. That’s why the American Cancer Society stresses the need for a baseline mammogram for women at age 40 with annual mammogram screenings for women ages 45 to 54.

At Any Lab Test Now®, we believe strongly in blood tests used for screening purposes to improve your health. We believe our job is to educate you and your family on the prevention and management of chronic and everyday illnesses.

Any Lab Test Now® has a few very useful tools:

One option is the Comprehensive Female Panel, which provides a snapshot of your overall health. This panel is designed for women at all stages of their life to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare goals.

Another breast cancer test is a screening called the Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel. It’s important to understand this is a monitoring tool, not a diagnostic tool. It does not tell you if you have breast cancer. It provides vital information that you can use in tandem with personalized care from your physician. This is a combination of three tests. The CA 15‐3 and CA 27.29 are proteins that are normally produced by breast cells. In persons with breast cancer, the levels can increase. The protein amounts can rise with breast cancer tumor growth and fall with treatment. The carcinoembryonic antigen is a protein that may be present in people with cancer, including breast cancer. The CEA Test measures the amount of this protein in your blood. CEA is normally detected in healthy adults but at a certain range.

Take Charge of Your Health

Having routine breast screenings through mammograms or lab testing is a game-changer. Early detection means better breast cancer treatment options like surgery, radiation, or medication. These can be highly effective, especially when the disease is identified early.

Not only can you stay on top of your health through screenings, but there are also behavioral measures you can take to reduce your risk of breast cancer, including:

prolonged breastfeeding
regular physical activity
weight control
avoidance of harmful use of alcohol
avoidance of exposure to tobacco smoke
avoidance of prolonged use of hormones
avoidance of excessive radiation exposure

There are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., including women still being treated and those who have finished treatment, proving that campaigns like Breast Cancer Awareness Month are working.

Wellness Screenings With Any Lab Test Now®

Any Lab Test Now® is a resource you can use for your family’s health and wellness. The lab tests we provide are confidential, affordable, and convenient. You own the results, and you choose how to proceed with them, whether that means consulting with your provider for further details or perhaps the results give you the peace of mind you were seeking.

Obtaining lab testing through blood tests is a very precise indicator of your health. It tracks your overall well-being, can detect issues with organs or how well you are managing a disease. It is an important look at your overall wellness.

Stay on top of your family’s health by taking charge of your wellness. Any Lab Test Now® can help by providing the lab tests you need to ensure your health. Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month Is a Reminder to Get an Overall Health Checkup!

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women everywhere are encouraged to remember the importance of getting checked. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect every aspect of daily life, our health routines should not take a toll. Breast cancer is easier to treat when detected early. The increased awareness surrounding breast cancer not only saves lives through prevention, but also serves as a reminder to get checked for a variety of other health concerns. Self-awareness of your health status is crucial. The attention given to this month brings awareness that makes a difference for millions of women each year. While breast cancer screenings may be at the top of mind, keep reading for three recommended lab tests that provide a more comprehensive overview of your health status.

In addition to getting a screening, one of the easiest things a woman can do to try and reduce her risk of breast cancer is to take charge of certain aspects of her health she can control, such as diet, exercise, and weight management. When considering which lifestyle changes are best for you, consider these breast cancer statistics.

Shocking facts about breast cancer:

Globally, breast cancer is now the most common form of cancer as of 2021.
As of January 2021, there were more than 3.8 million women in the U.S. with a history of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2021, it’s estimated that about 30 percent of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.

Those facts, while difficult to ignore, are only one side of the fight against breast cancer. Awareness and commitment to early detection have saved lives. Between earlier detection and advancements in treatment, death rates in women above age 50 have dropped considerably in the past several years. Studies show that more than three-quarters of women between the ages of 50 and 74 have been screened in the past two years. The overall death rate from breast cancer has decreased 1% per year in the five-year period from 2013 to 2018.

Types of Breast Exams and Tests to Detect Cancer Early

According to the CDC, women between ages 50 and 74 should be screened for breast cancer with a mammogram every two years. Women aged 40 to 49 should discuss their medical history with their doctor to determine when to begin mammograms.

There are several forms of exams and screening that can help detect breast cancer, including:

Self-Awareness – Every woman should be familiar with how their breasts look and feel so that any changes can be detected. Report any changes you notice to your doctor.
Clinical Breast Exam – An examination by a doctor or nurse, feeling for lumps or changes by hand.
Mammogram – An x-ray of the breast, often considered the best way to detect breast cancer early. Regular mammograms are recommended, especially as women become older.
Breast MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnets and radio waves to generate a picture of the breast. MRIs are used along with mammograms for women at high risk of breast cancer.

Get the Full Picture of Your Health

Pandemic or not, there are certain comprehensive lab panels and tests that are often neglected. Getting a blood work is a crucial component of any health and wellness program. It’s a great way to get a more detailed recommendation from your doctor based on your body analysis. Lab testing reveals information about the body that can signal warning areas or anomalies to help you and your doctor take immediate action. Getting tested in routine intervals allows you to self-monitor how your body changes over time, spot problems early on, and provide insight into how one could make subtle changes to their diet or lifestyle to optimize their health.

These tests are easily accessible at Any Lab Test Now®, and the results could have a major impact on your health decisions moving forward.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel – Includes 14 essential tests that are part of a routine checkup, testing for sodium, potassium, calcium, glucose, and others.
Comprehensive Female Panel – This panel helps women to recognize and address any hormone imbalances through blood counts, kidney and liver functions, thyroid, and heart health.
Diabetes Maintenance Panel – Includes four tests that can help detect or manage diabetes. It can also determine whether the kidneys are functioning properly.

Take Control of Your Health

These tests not only help you to understand the full picture of your overall health but can help you and your doctor make informed decisions on how best to take control of your well-being. Identifying any issues are the first step to addressing them. In the same way awareness helps women detect breast cancer earlier, the more time you have to recognize any other common issue is a major benefit to maintaining and reclaiming a healthy life.

Take Comfort in Our Service

Any Lab Test Now is determined to help people live healthy lives by providing a simplified option when it comes to seeking any type of lab work. We have 190+ locations across the U.S. that are sanitized several times per day in accordance with the CDC’s standards. We offer 8,000+ testing options that give a detailed analysis of your health status. You can’t fix what you don’t know! Use direct-access lab tests to keep tabs on your health. Monitor on your own or discuss with your doctor to spark a lifestyle change that will allow you to better understand your body and learn to manage your healthcare proactively.

From offering a wide range of lab tests, to providing a safe and clean alternative for Americans to get tested during the coronavirus pandemic, Any Lab Test Now is committed to helping families make educated decisions about their health.

For more information about Any Lab Test Now, and the tests we offer, visit us at www.anylabtestnow.com.

Build Awareness. Honor the Survivors. Support the Fighters.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time to raise awareness about the importance of detecting breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. The statistics you’ll find throughout this article are hard to ignore, starting with these:

About 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
1 in 39 women (3 percent) will die from breast cancer
In 2020, it’s estimated that about 30 percent of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women between ages 55 and 64.
About 10 percent of breast cancers occur in women younger than 45.

Breasts are made up of a variety of different tissues, including ducts, lobes, and glands that produce milk and carry it to the nipple. Breasts also contain lymph nodes and fatty tissue. Cancer develops when the cells in the breast mutate and grow out of control. These cells create a tumor.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

The most recognized physical sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast tissue. While this discovery will send (and should) many women to the doctor for further examination, there are other signs and symptoms of breast cancer you should know.

Skin changes, such as swelling, redness, or other visible differences in one or both breasts
An increase in size or change in the shape of the breast(s)
Changes in the appearance of one or both nipples
Nipple discharge other than breast milk
General pain in/on any part of the breast
Lumps or nodes felt on or inside of the breast

How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Breast cancer is typically detected either during screening, before symptoms have developed, or after a woman notices a lump. Masses can be detected on a mammogram. Women who are diagnosed with dense breast tissue may be required to get an ultrasound screening in addition to the mammogram. Most breast lumps turn out to be benign.

However, when cancer is suspected, a physician will order a needle biopsy or a surgical biopsy to obtain a tissue sample. The selection of the type of biopsy is based on multiple factors, including the size and location of the mass, as well as patient factors and preferences and resources.

Take Control

One of the easiest things a woman can do to try and reduce her risk of breast cancer is to take charge of certain aspects of her health she can control, such as diet, exercise, and weight management. However, before making any drastic changes to lifestyle, women should get a screening that can identify the overall condition of their health.

The comprehensive female panel at Any Lab Test Now is designed for women at all stages of their life to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare goals. It includes blood counts, a metabolic panel which includes kidney and liver functions, female hormones, thyroid, heart health, and nutritional status. You don’t need to get a doctor’s order to get this or any lab test at Any Lab Test Now. You can learn more about the comprehensive female panel here.

Be An Active Participant In Your Journey Through Breast Cancer

When you receive a diagnosis of breast cancer you can expect to experience a range of emotions. One emotion that you could likely come across is anger; specifically, anger based on of your feelings of being out of control. A cancer diagnosis often leaves many patients wondering, “Why is my body doing this to me?”

Then comes the treatment process where once again, patients can sometimes feel out of control. Some patients report feeling helpless and passive, totally left out of the process of what is happening to their own bodies. It doesn’t always have to be that way.

There are ways you can become an active participant in your own journey through breast cancer and what’s more, you’ll have another team of medical professionals by your side while you do it. Any Lab Test Now is proud to stand with breast cancer patients and offer the Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel. It can help turn you from a passive victim to an active participant in your treatment and can help put you in control of your health.

What the Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel provides

In a nutshell, the Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel offered by Any Lab Test Now is three different tests in one. It’s designed to help you and your physician monitor breast cancer treatment and therapy. It does this by monitoring three different proteins:

CA 15-3
CA 27.29
CEA

Both CA 15-3 and CA 27.29 are protein markers that are normally produced by breast cells, but if you have breast cancer, the levels can increase. Basically, these tests can help doctors with a number of things. They can help your doctor understand if your cancer is responding to your treatment plan. If you’ve finished your treatment, the tests can help monitor for a reoccurrence of the disease.

Likewise, CEA is also a protein normally found in the body. Elevated levels can provide another clue for doctors and at the same time provide you with a tool so you can be an active participant in your own treatment.

It’s important to note that the Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel IS NOT A SCREENING TOOL. It is not designed to tell you if you have breast cancer.

Who should consider Breast Cancer Monitoring?

It’s basic human nature to desire at least some control over what is happening with our bodies… and that can sometimes be difficult to come by when you are battling breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel can provide that for women who are currently afflicted with the disease. On the flip side, women who are breast cancer survivors often report one of their greatest fears is that of a disease recurrence! After treatment ends you may feel suddenly alone and vulnerable, as doctors are no longer seeing you regularly. The Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel can help put you in control of your own post-cancer wellness plan and can provide you with a level of comfort that you may not have realized was available.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an important time to raise awareness about the importance of detecting breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat. Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. And while most talk of breast cancer seems to be geared toward women, it’s not exclusive to women. Each year in the United States, about 245,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2, 200 cases in men.

Remember, you are not alone in your battle with this disease, and you don’t have to feel out of control. The medical professionals at your local Any Lab Test Now are proud to stand with you and help you along your journey to wellness.