This month is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most of us know that this is the month to wear pink, but not all of us know how to diagnose, treat, and lower our risk for breast cancer. No matter what your age, you should stay in the know about what signs to look for and what you can do to lower your risk.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. If not treated, and the cancer grows to a higher stage, the more likely the cancer will spread and the patient will not survive.
Risk factors for developing cancer are being female, obesity and lack of physical exercise, drinking alcohol, hormone replacement therapy during menopause, having children late or not at all, older age, prior history of breast cancer, and family history.

How Can I Check for Breast Cancer?

The most common sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast tissue. If you find a lump in your breast, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Other signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

Change in breast size and shape
Pain in a specific area that does not go away
Nipple discharge
Sore or rash on the nipple
Dimpling of breast skin
Nipple inversion

The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the survival rates – self-checks are incredibly important, and getting regular screening tests is the most reliable way to find and diagnose breast cancer! The following is a general guideline for screening from the Center for Disease Control:

Women who are 40 to 49 years of age should talk to their doctor or other health care professional about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.

Women who are 50 to 74 years old and are average risk for breast cancer should get a mammogram every two years.

How Can I Prevent Breast Cancer?

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent breast cancer. However, there are certain things you can do to lower your risk.

Exercise: The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity actively each week (or a combination of these), preferably spread out through the week. This can be as simple as going for a brisk 20-minute walk every day!

Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases breast cancer risk. According to the American Cancer Society, after women go through menopause, their main source of estrogen is through fat tissue, so the more fat tissue you have on your body, the higher your estrogen levels and the higher chance of developing breast cancer.

Preventative Surgery for High-Risk Patients – For the small percentage of women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer due to family history, surgery to remove all breast tissue is an option. Another option is to remove the ovaries, since they are the main source of the body’s estrogen before menopause.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and the second most-common cause of death from cancer among women. However, the more we become aware of this disease, the closer we can get to a cure!

Sources:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316977.php

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/can-i-lower-my-risk.html

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/index.htm

Breast Cancer Awareness: The Basics