Illinois Governor and Department of Public Health remind Illinoisans importance of early detection for breast cancer

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) want Illinois to remember that early detection is the most effective way to prevent the spread of breast cancer.

By Elizabeth Hess October 3, 2024 2:01 pm

Associated Pressnews.mit.eduIllinois Governor and IDPH remind the public that early detection is the best way to beat breast cancer.

CHAMPAIGN (Chambana Today) – October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) want Illinois to remember that early detection is the most effective way to prevent the spread of breast cancer. The disease is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. In a declaration to kick off the month, the Governor issued a proclamation declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 18 as Mammography Day in Illinois.

Governor Pritzker said, “More than 11,000 Illinois women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. But it is a disease that has a better prognosis with early detection, which is why it is so important for Illinoisans to schedule a mammogram sooner rather than later. And for those who are uninsured or underinsured, the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers free mammograms as well as cervical cancer screening.”

Regular mammograms can detect breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is most successful. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra says, “IDPH is committed to fighting breast cancer and saving lives through education and early detection. I encourage Illinoisans to schedule a comprehensive exam as soon as possible and ask your doctor about breast cancer screening.”

The IDPH wants to remind Illinoisans that breast cancer does not only impact women. Men, non-binary people, and trans men and women also can experience breast cancer, and everyone needs to know their risk by working with their doctor. Some of the risk factors for breast cancer include older age, a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and having dense breasts. Dense breasts are seen in half of woman over 40 and density can make it harder for small cancers to show up on a mammogram.

Women can control some of the risk factors for breast cancer by being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol intake.

For anyone who is uninsured or underinsured, IDPH offers the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) which offers free breast exams and mammograms. The program also assists with treatment options. To enroll in IBCCP, call the Women’s Health Line 888-522-1282 (800-547-0466 TTY).