New cases of breast cancer affect more than 250,000 women per year in the United States alone. Proper knowledge of breast cancer, your risks and screenings can help lower your risk and help you detect breast cancer. The earlier breast cancer is detected the higher your chances for survival. October is breast cancer awareness month, and there is plenty of information online, around the community and from your doctor that can help you.
Breast cancer affects more Caucasian women than any other ethnicity, with African American women being a close second and Native Americans and Asian being the least affected. It occurs among all ages but most commonly in women over the age of 50. In the last 30 years, the incidences of breast cancer have increased, but the mortality rates have decreased.
There are many different risk factors for breast cancer. They are categorized into low risk groups, medium risk, and high risk groups. Those factors in the low risk group include height (tall), obesity, early menarche (12 or younger), alcohol consumption, late pregnancies (over age 30), late menopause (over age 55), and having never breastfed a child. The risk factors in the medium group include having high levels of estrogen or testosterone, relatives with breast cancer, high bone density, and smoking. High risk factors include being over 65, having a genetic predisposition towards breast cancer (BRCA mutation commonly found in those of Jewish heritage) and having dense breast according to a mammogram.
There is no sure way to prevent or cure breast cancer but there are some things you can do to lower your risks and treat it. Proper exercise and weight management can reduce your risks for breast cancer and many other illnesses and diseases. Reducing your alcohol intake and quitting smoking can also help lower your risks for breast cancer along with many other cancers and diseases. The drugs Tamoxifen and Raloxifene have been proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who are already at a higher risk. Monthly self exams and annual mammograms allow for the early detection of breast cancer, which will improve your chances for survival. Treatments for breast cancer include surgical procedures to remove tumors, mastectomies to remove the entire breast, radiation treatment, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
The more you know about breast cancer and your risks for it, the more better chances you have of reducing those risks or detecting breast cancer early enough that it can easily be treated. Breast cancer screenings are crucial for early detection and you should always have any lump or other breast abnormality immediately evaluated by your doctor.