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Awareness

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2005 marks more than 20 years that National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) has educated women about early breast cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.  The NBCAM reaches out to women with several key messages, most notably, the importance of early detection through annual mammography screenings for women over age 40.  Mammography screenings are a woman's best chance for detecting breast cancer early.  When coupled with new treatment options, mammography screenings can significantly improve a woman's chances of survival.  NBCAM also focuses on the risks of developing breast cancer and helping women lowering their risks.  Read below for more information.

Although breast cancer cannot be completely prevented, you can increase your knowledge on screenings, risk factors, and what can be done to lower your risk of developing breast cancer.  First, talk with your provider about your individual risk factors and when you should begin your mammography screenings.  Your provider can also show you proper techniques for completing a self-breast exam at home which can be instrumental in early detection.  Besides screenings, the knowledge of risk factors and steps to lower your risk of developing cancer can be a great tool!  The risk factors for developing breast cancer are the following:

• Personal or family history of breast cancer
• Smoking
• Excessive weight
• Prolonged estrogen exposure
• Abnormal breast cell growth
• First full-term pregnancy after age 30
• Never having a full-term pregnancy
• Heavy alcohol use
• Early start of menstruation
• Late menopause

Most of these risk factors are out of yur control, however, there are some things that can be done to lower your risk of developing breast cancer.  First, if you smoke, stop!  Past sutdies have shown that the breast fluid of smokers contains many of the cancer-causing substances in tobacco smoke.  This has led scientists to suspect that smoking tobacco could also increase the risk of breast cancer.  So far, studies have suggested that smoking tobacco does indeed increase this risk.  Try to exercise on a regular basis, aiming for at least three or four times a week.  Limit your alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per week.  By limiting alcohol consumption, it will increase your liver's ability to regulate blood estrogen levels.  Eat a healthy diet and restrict levels of red meat and other sources of animal fat, including dairy fat in cheese, milk, and ice cream.  They could contain stored hormones or pesticides.  If you have extra pounds, work to shed them and keep them off.

Breast cancer is still a huge part of women's lives since all women are at risk for developing it.  But knowledge is power!  Knowing your risks and taking steps to lower them along with proper screenings can save your life.  Make this October the last month for breast cancer.  Share you knowledge with a friend or family member and schedule an annual physical today with one of our providers.  952-831-1551.