Wellness Program - Valencia Community College

Valencia Community College is moving forward to a healthier work place. Valencia's Wellness program is dedicated to creating communities of people with healthy bodies and minds. We invite you to browse the web site, send us questions or feedback and check back regularly for continued updates. Remember we are here for you......

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Join us in raising the awareness of Breast Cancer.

October 9th at 1:00 PM on the East campus, 5-112 - Florida Hospital and Dr. Priya Vishnu will be discussing diagnosis and treatment options.

Separating the Facts and the Myths

The Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.

The Truth: If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or any chages in breast tissue, it is very important that you see a physician immediately. However, 8 out of 10 breat lumps are benign, or not cancerous. Sometimes women stay away from medical care because they fear what they might find. Take charge of your health by performing routine breast self-exams, establishing ongoing communication with your doctor, and scheduling regular mammograms.

The Myth: Men do not get breast cancer.

The Truth: Quite the contrary. Each year it is estimated that approximately 1,170 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die. While this percentage is still small, men should also give themselves regular breast self-exams and note any changes to their physicians.

The Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.

The Truth: A mammogram, or X-ray of the breast, is one of the best tools available for the early detection of breast cancer. It CANNOT cause cancer to spread, nor can the pressure put on the breast from the mammogram. Do not let tales of other people's experiences keep you from having a mammogram. Base your decision on your physician's recommendation and be sure to discuss any questioins or concerns with your doctor.

The Myth: Having a family history of breat cancer means you wil get it.

The truth: While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother, who had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age 35.

The Myth: Breast cancer is contagious.

You can not catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else's body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth in your own body. However, you can protect yourself by being aware of the risk factors and following an early detection plan.