Of all the educational celebrations and observances across the United States each year, it seems Breast Cancer Awareness Month attains most of the love and media attention.
Sadly, there is an exceptionally good reason for this. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) breast cancer is the most common cancer in women across our country, but for skin cancer. Breast cancer diagnoses accounts for 30 percent (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers diagnosed annually. Based on that study, the estimated number of breast cancer diagnoses expected for this year will be:
- 57,000 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (when cancer cells are confined inside a milk duct in the breast).
- More than 310,00 new cases of invasive breast cancer.
- An estimated 42,00 women will die from the disease.
Detecting breast cancer early and securing timely cancer treatments are two of the most important steps to prevent deaths from the disease.
According to the ACS, women of average risk for breast cancer include those without a personal history or family history of the disease, no genetic mutations, and no chest radiation therapy before the age of thirty. Mammogram screening guidelines for that patient population include:
- Women between the age of 40 and 44 have the option to begin mammogram screenings each year.
- Women 45 to 54 should attain a mammogram every year.
- Women fifty-five and older can switch to a mammogram every other year or choose to continue yearly.
Guidelines for women considered to be of higher risk include a family history of breast cancer and genetic mutations, exposure to chemicals, and even age. For those patients, a yearly mammogram and breast MRI should start at the age of thirty or as recommended by the health care provider, according to the ACS.
There is clearly no sure way to prevent breast cancer for anyone, but there are general steps which can be taken to reduce risks, whether in the average or elevated risk categories.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Do not smoke. Cigarette smoke contains toxins, including cancer-causing chemicals. Women who smoke or previously smoked have an increased risk for breast cancer.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Limit or avoid alcohol. According to the World Health Organization, the risk of breast cancer increases with each unit of alcohol consumed per day.
- Limit processed foods.
- Take care of your gut microbiome by eating eat a range of fresh wholefoods from plant sources like fruits, vegetables, legumes, beans, nuts, and wholegrains.
- Breastfeed. Research shows mothers who breastfeed lower their risk of pre-and post-menopausal breast cancer.
- Consider genetic counseling and testing for BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation, if considered to be of elevated risk.
- Consider preventive surgery if considered to be of higher risk for breast cancer.
- Talk to your doctor about prescription medication which can decrease breast cancer risks, for those of elevated risk for the disease.
Most know someone, whether it be a friend, family member or acquaintance who has been impacted by breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month does a phenomenal service in both educating on the disease, while reminding us to schedule those mammograms.
For more information on the varying types of breast cancer, risks, early detection, and treatment options, go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for a ‘free’ educational guide. Click on https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/educational-guides/.