October 2021 Health Tip

by J. Renee Livsey, RN-BC; Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/flu/index.htm |  October 1, 2021

 
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
 
Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms.  Make sure that you get a mammogram when recommended by your health care provider.
 
There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. If you have any signs that worry you, see your health care provider right away.  Symptoms can include—

• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).
• A new lump in the breast or underarm.

 
This is flu season, and the CDC is recommending COVID-19 and flu vaccines for people with weakened immune systems.  This is especially important for people undergoing treatment for cancer, as well as cancer survivors.
 

• Flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.
• Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar and include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, vomiting, diarrhea – and with COVID-19, loss of taste and smell. Testing is needed to tell which illness it is.  As soon as you begin to feel any symptoms, get tested right away – remember COVID-19 can be deadly, especially the Delta variant so don’t try “work on yourself” at home.  Testing and vaccines for COVID-19 are free of charge and are available throughout the Metro Atlanta area. 

 
Reference:  https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/flu/index.htm