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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 3, 2023October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there is no better time to learn about this disease and what you can do to protect yourself. Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women and can occur at any age. However, the risk increases with age, and women over 50 are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than younger women. Although the overall survival rate for breast cancer has increased over the past few decades, it is still one of the leading causes of death among women.
Several factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, including family history, obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking. The good news is that there are also several things you can do to reduce your risk.
Breast Cancer Screenings
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends women at average breast cancer risk have a mammogram every year starting at age 45. They also recommend that women aged 55 and older switch to having a mammogram every other year.
Women at high risk of breast cancer should discuss with their doctor how often to have a mammogram and what age to start screening. High-risk candidates include those with a strong family history of breast cancer, a personal history of breast cancer, specific genetic mutations, or previous radiation therapy to the chest.
Mammograms are excellent screening tools for breast cancer and can detect tumors when they are too small to cause any symptoms. Early detection is critical for successful treatment, so it is vital for women to get regular mammograms starting at age 45. If you are 55 or older, you can talk to your doctor about how often you need a mammogram. And if you are at high risk for breast cancer, be sure to discuss your screening options with your doctor.
Lifestyle Modifications
It is not possible to prevent breast cancer with a surefire method. However, lifestyle choices can lower the chances of getting it. One factor that lowers a woman’s likelihood of acquiring breast cancer is staying at a healthy weight. Women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, so it's essential always to keep the weight in check.
Also, make sure to get regular exercise. It is recommended that women aim to exercise moderately for 30 minutes most days of the week to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
Another lifestyle choice that can help lower the risk is limiting alcohol intake. Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, so it’s wise to limit alcoholic beverages as much as possible.
Reedsburg Area Medical Center Women’s Wellness
RAMC is a community-based hospital that provides education and support to our patients to make informed decisions about their health. Our Women’s Wellness program helps promote breast cancer awareness and prevention, and we offer screenings and treatments for women affected by the disease. We believe that educating our patients is essential to preventing and treating diseases like breast cancer, and we are dedicated to providing quality care for all our patients. If you or someone you know requires medical care, please contact us today.
References:
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
https://www.nmhealth.org/
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