October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. But, the other 11 months should be regarded as breast cancer awareness months as well, considering the importance of monthly breast self-exams.

And time is not on your side.

“Don’t ever assume that because you managed to get through 70 years of your life without getting breast cancer that you’re home free, because you’re not,” said Ro LeGasse, director of Caring Connections at the YWCA in Bangor.

“Chances of getting breast cancer increase with years, and by the time you reach 80 you have a one in eight risk rate,” she said, “And this is not just a woman’s issue. Men get breast cancer, too – although many fewer men get breast cancer than women.”

Annual mammograms and clinical breast exams by a health care professional, combined with self-exams, increase chances of detecting cancer early, she said. And early detection is the best way to increase survival rates.

“There are more options for treatment with early diagnosis,” said LeGasse. “Finding breast cancer early improves the prognosis of your case and oftentimes means you will require less surgical or treatment intervention.”

Breast cancer is not just a lump issue, but can involve discharge, dimpling, cracking or scaling around the nipple. There are many different kinds of breast cancer, and it is vitally important to know your own breasts and inform your doctor of any changes, she added.

“We don’t know how to prevent breast cancer, but you may be able to reduce your risk by limiting alcohol use, exercising regularly and eating a low-fat diet,” LeGasse said. New evidence suggests that using some forms of hormone replacement therapy may increase your risk. If you are on HRT, talk to your doctor before changing or stopping treatment, she said.

Along with being vigilant with yourself, be just as mindful of your friends’ health, too, said LeGasse.

“Be the thorn in your group of friends who brings up this topic. If a friend mentions she found a lump in her breast help her get it tended to,” she said. “Volunteer to go to doctor’s appointments with her to take notes. You know how it is. When the doctor starts talking and you’re so nervous, you miss 80 percent of the information. It is a great way to support a family member or friend.”

Group support also is important as demonstrated by the success of ENCOREplus, a program of Caring Connections. Held at the YWCA, the meetings bring together those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer – some recently, while others fought and won their battle years ago.

ENCOREplus sessions consist of group discussions, information, education and upper body exercises – including pool time.

As they say, knowledge is power. And Caring Connections has the knowledge to empower people who seek help. Education, breast and cervical screening at EMMC, referral to support services, child or adult day care and transportation solutions are but a few of the services available at Caring Connections.

“Read available information about breast health and breast cancer,” LeGasse said. “There is a lot of it out there. Share this information about breast health with friends and family – and attend your mammogram each year without fail.”

If you are not yet covered under Medicare and have no other insurance, you may be eligible for a free mammogram and Pap test through the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program.

For more information about free testing, Caring Connections or breast cancer, call the YWCA at 941-2808.

This column is written and shared in memory of Yolande Dube, 51, who succumbed to metastasized breast cancer on Aug. 13. She was a beloved friend and will be missed.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.