BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
BE PROACTIVE – LOWER YOUR RISK OF BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer. It’s very scary for women. More than 40,000 women die from breast cancer every year. On average, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetimes. Most of us know a loved one who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. But a diagnosis doesn’t mean you have to become a statistic. As we “Think Pink” during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s talk about what you can do to lower your risk of breast cancer.
Start with the Basics
Although there is no way to prevent breast cancer, there are steps you can take to lower your risk. You can take care of your health by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Staying physically active
- Choosing not to drink alcohol or drink in moderation
- Discuss the risks of hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives (birth control pills) with your doctor
- Breastfeed your children, if possible
- Discuss with your doctor other ways to lower your risk in cases where there is a family history of breast cancer or BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation
Early Detection
If you catch breast cancer at an early stage, you have a 98% chance of surviving. Read that again – 98%. Those are good odds. Your odds of long-term survival drop to 25% if your doctor finds your breast cancer late, when it has spread outside your breast.
Women are more at risk for breast cancer as they get older. Most cancers are diagnosed after the age of 50. About two-thirds of women with breast cancer are 55 or older. Most of the rest are between 35 and 54. But other factors can increase risk such as reproductive history and dense breasts. It’s easy to follow these simple steps for early detection.
Annual Well-Woman Exam
A Well-Woman Exam is different from an annual physical because it focuses on screening for issues like breast cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer that aren’t a part of a regular physical exam. You should have a Well-Woman Exam every year beginning at age 21. During this exam, your doctor will check for abnormalities in your breasts such as lumps or swellings. This is also a good time to discuss any other outstanding health concerns that could increase your risk of breast cancer.
Mammograms
Although not the most pleasant procedure in the world, mammograms can be your best defense against breast cancer. As an x-ray of the breast, these exams can often spot the disease in its early stages, before it can be felt during a clinical breast exam.
Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. The USPSTF recommends that women between the ages of 50 to 74 and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or other health care provider about when to start and how often to get a mammogram. For uninsured, under-insured, or low-income individuals, free or low-cost screenings are available.
Breast Cancer Survivors
Currently there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment. But their struggle continues with ongoing treatments, side effects, medical bills, and a concern that the cancer might return.
“Think Pink” All Year Long
As they say, pink is more than a pretty color. It symbolizes the fight against a disease that is a killer. Be proactive. “Think Pink” all year long. If you haven’t done so already, take this time to schedule your annual Well-Woman exam and schedule your mammogram if needed. Reach out to your doctor if you notice any abnormalities or changes with your breasts. There are no cures for breast cancer but there are treatments. And there are many survivors.
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