Doctors raise Breast Cancer Awareness throughout October

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Throughout the Month of October, Parkridge Medical Center and Chattanooga Imaging are spreading hope to women affected by Breast Cancer. 

“The survival rates are actually improving, and I think, and many people in the breast imaging practice world believe that that is in large part due to improving therapies, but also improving the way we are detecting cancers. In other words, you do not want to wait till you can feel it,’ said Dr. Chip Kyle, Chattanooga Imaging

Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been recognized and honored across the country for more than 30 years. 

Dr. Kyle with Chattanooga Imaging explains why it is important to increase awareness of the disease. 

“It is a very prevalent breast disease. Unfortunately, some of the worst cases I’ve seen are women who feel something. Do not get it looked at. It goes on and It goes on further, and it just gets bigger and badder and worse,” said Dr. Kyle. 

According to the FDA, Approximately one in eight women in the United States will get breast cancer. 

But, Dr. Kyle believes it’s vital that breast cancer is found early 

“If they find something that is fantastic. That is good news, because I want to find it when it is the size of my little fingernail, rather than when it is the size of my fist. Your odds of survival will be a whole lot better,” said Dr. Kyle. 

Signs of Breast Cancer can include Lump in the breast or armpit, Swelling or thickening in parts of the breast, or Pain in any area of the breast. 

Dr. Kyle encourages women 40 and over to schedule a mammogram. 

“Please, please, get your mammogram every year, whether you think you need it or not, if you are over 40 and up you need it. It is quick and easy. Takes less than 30 minutes. You can call and schedule yourself. You do not need a doctor’s order,” Dr. Kyle concluded.