October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month leading ChristianaCare to offer tips on prevention. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), more than 360,000 people, both men and women, will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Although advances in prevention, diagnosis and treatment have improved survival rates, there are still practices many people miss when it comes to detecting and preventing breast cancer.
Both men and women are born with breast tissue, but women are 100 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with breast cancer. There are risk factors, including a genetic history of breast or other reproductive cancers, environmental and lifestyle as well as age as breast cancer is more common in those 55 and older.
Understanding risk factors is important in prevention as screening is based on a person’s unique risk levels. Even without risk factors, it is possible to develop breast cancer as 60 to 70 percent of those diagnosed have no known factors. Where risk factors do come into play is in screening as more advanced measures are recommended for those with known risks or histories of cancer.
One of the best breast cancer screening methods is at home self-breast examinations. This is a routine that detects and monitors changes to breast tissue texture, breast and nipple color, shape and size that could connect to cancer. To learn more about self-breast exams, click here.
A woman should have their first mammogram or x-ray examination of the breast at age 40 with annual screenings after that. Women with dense breasts may have difficulty detecting lumps at home which makes mammograms even more important. Higher risk individuals may also be screened using MRIs, but only if they have specific genetic histories. Fewer than 10 percent of breast cancers have a genetic component, so having no strong family history does not mean one does not have an elevated risk.
For those who have strong family histories of breast or other reproductive cancers, such as ovarian, or someone who has a strong family history of other types of cancer, genetic counseling is recommended. Those who have an increased likelihood of certain gene mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, should seek genetic counseling. It is recommended that anyone who suspects genetic issues seek formal genetic testing as mail-in tests are not as accurate. Click here to learn more about genetic testing.
Other risk factors include hormonal history such as exposure to estrogen over time, starting a menstrual cycle before age 11, menopause after the age of 55, having babies in later years or not having babies at all, or the use of hormone replacement therapies. Once genetic and hormonal risk factors are understood, it is important to look at lifestyle choices to help avoid breast cancer.
A diet high in ultra-processed food and saturated fats can increase the risk of breast cancer. Instead, choose a diet with leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, whole grains lean proteins and small amounts of healthy fats. Exercise can reduce inflammation and improve overall health. There is significant evidence that smoking can lead to cancer and although it is often linked to lung cancer, it can be a contributor to other types of cancers as well. High consumption of alcohol can also be a risk factor for breast cancer.
It is important to know breast cancer risks and use that information as empowerment. Contact a primary care physician for an appointment to discuss breast health. Early detection is critical for treatment to be successful. Make an appointment with a doctor today by clicking here.
