Recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month for PRN Nurses

Breast Cancer Awareness Month ‘23: Myths, Facts & Oncology Nurses

Autumn, the sweet smell of pumpkin spice, and everything nice are here. As the air becomes crisp and cool, this fall season also symbolizes transformation and a time to check your health—especially if you are a woman. That’s because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase public awareness of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women globally; however, early identification and treatment can dramatically improve outcomes. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s brush up on some vital breast cancer statistics for 2023. Read on for breast cancer facts, myths, and essential information from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, INC.

2023 Breast Cancer Myths Debunked

While breast cancer awareness is increasing on a global level, there are still a lot of misunderstandings and stigma surrounding the topic. For example, a lump in your breast does not automatically mean you have breast cancer. In fact, only a small percentage of breast nodes are cancerous. Also, maybe you have heard that bras with underwires cause cancer. This belief couldn’t be any further from the truth, and it can cause a lot of unnecessary worry in women.

The following statistics are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or breast cancer treatment; they can only serve as informational stats to be aware of. With that in mind, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, INC and The American Cancer Society, here are a few more common misconceptions about breast cancer:

Breast cancer is more common in women with larger breasts: False. There is no connection between cancer risk and breast size.
All breast cancers are the same: False. There are various types of breast cancer, including noninvasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Each type of breast cancer has different characteristics and treatment options.
Breast cancer only happens in older or middle-aged women: False. Breast cancer diagnoses can occur at any age or moment, although most involve middle-aged or older women.
Men are not at risk for breast cancer: False. Contrary to popular belief, men get breast cancer and can die from it. It’s a small percentage compared to the number of women afflicted, but it should not be ignored.
Breast cancer is contagious: False. In no way, shape, or form is breast cancer contagious. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and sticking to an early detection plan can lower your chance of developing breast cancer—not avoiding people with the disease.

Breast Cancer Facts

Just as it is essential to debunk myths and misconceptions regarding breast cancer, staying up to speed on breast cancer facts can help minimize fear and anxiety about the matter as a whole. Additionally, facts about breast cancer are crucial since they may assist in spreading awareness and promoting early detection.

Again, the information provided here does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or breast cancer treatment. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, INC, the following numbers are supported by research:

Smoking is a breast cancer risk factor.
A healthy, low-fat diet abundant in fruits and vegetables can help lower the chance of getting breast cancer.
Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of developing breast cancer.
Permanent hair dye or chemical hair straightening products can increase your risk of breast cancer.
Women who have used birth control pills for over five years are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
While mammograms can be uncomfortable or even painful, they are essential to an early detection plan. It is ideal to schedule mammograms the week following a menstrual cycle when the breasts are typically less sensitized.
A widely accepted recommendation is to conduct self-exams for breast cancer every month.

Recent Advancements and Facts about Breast Cancer for 2023

Breast cancer is common. Recent statistics by Breastcancer.org show that breast cancer accounts for 12.5 percent of all new cancer cases globally each year, making it the most common type of cancer worldwide. Let’s take a peek at some recent facts about breast cancer for 2023:

Breastcancer.org estimates that, in 2023, there will be 297,790 new diagnoses of invasive breast cancer and 55,720 new cases of DCIS in women in the United States.
The organization estimates the discovery of 2,800 additional instances of invasive breast cancer in males in 2023. A man’s risk of developing breast cancer is approximately one in 833.
In the United States, around 13 percent of women (or one in eight) may acquire invasive breast cancer over their lifetime.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be distressing. However, in recent years, there have been several promising updates in the field of breast cancer cures. One significant advancement is the development of a biomedical compound that directly attacks cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Furthermore, medication advances may improve outcomes for people in earlier stages of breast cancer illness, such as cancer that has not yet progressed to the lymph nodes.

How to Become an Oncology Nurse

Are you a nurse interested in working with breast cancer patients? Becoming a nurse in oncology to help care for people with breast cancer requires a strong passion for providing compassionate care to patients and their families. It also involves acquiring specialized knowledge and skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing breast cancer. To become a nurse specializing in oncology, you must first be a registered nurse (RN). Furthermore, there are several different special certifications. An oncology nurse may opt to pursue the following specific certifications:

Oncology Certified Nurse (ONC®)
Certified Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nurse (CPHON®)
Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN®)
Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN®)
Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP®)
Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS®)

Despite the reality that oncology nurses often work with terminal patients, more and more cancer patients are surviving every year due to advances in research, medicine, and technology. Ultimately, a nursing career in oncology is a challenging profession that takes patience and perseverance but can be extremely rewarding for nurses looking to make a difference in the lives of others.

Learn More in the Ultimate Guide to Oncology Nursing

Oncology Nurses Continuing Education (CE) Credits

Whether you need renewal CE credits or you haven’t specialized yet but want to learn more about breast cancer or oncology in general, here are some resources to help you get started:

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) offers several free breast cancer courses in its education catalog.
Free courses for nurses on myCME cover various topics, including breast cancer.

Oncology Nurses Can Be PRN Nurses Too

Oncology nursing requires compassion and knowledge as much as skill and competence, and PRN nurses working in oncology need these qualities as well. While many individuals focus on the financial benefits of becoming PRN nurses—the pay rates are pretty impressive—picking up a PRN nursing shift in oncology can also contribute to safe patient-to-clinician ratios and help combat nurse burnout.

Additionally, PRN jobs can help nurses have greater flexibility and achieve their desired work-life balance. Finally, per diem nursing is in high demand as emergency departments and hospitals struggle with patient intake and need nurses to fill gaps in coverage to ensure safe patient care.