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Not all lumps are created equal, and finding one doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Any changes in your breast tissue should be discussed with a doctor.
Have you noticed the appearance of pink ribbons in the community lately? October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this little pink ribbon is a symbol designed to raise awareness about breast cancer and show support for those who are currently battling or have battled breast cancer. I wanted to take the opportunity this month to focus on the basics of breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Twelve percent, or about 1 in 8 women, will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. However, breast cancer is not just a female disease. Men too. Although this type of cancer is rarer in men (1 in 883 men), it has a higher death rate because it is often not detected until it has progressed into the advanced stages.
Breast cancer research has identified different factors that contribute to the development of the disease. A major risk factor is genetics. For example, if a woman has a first-degree relative who has had breast cancer, such as a sister, mother or daughter, her risk of developing breast cancer is doubled. In addition to genetics, other important risk factors for breast cancer are gender (being female) and age. As women get older, their likelihood of developing breast cancer steadily increases. For three cases of invasive breast cancer, two of these cases are found in women 55 years or older.
Unfortunately, we cannot change our age or our genetics. The good news is, however, that there are protective measures individuals can take to help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer (and other types of cancer), including:
- Maintain a healthy weight for your age, height, body type, and activity level.
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption.
- Get enough physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week for adults).
- Avoid smoking and using other tobacco products.
- Maintain a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, and limit refined sugars and processed foods.
- Reduce exposure to harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) (found in plastics), phosphorus (found in lawn and garden products), parabens and phthalates (found in cosmetics) and pesticides and antibiotics (found in food).
In addition to the above list, it is important to perform regular self-exams and participate in routine breast cancer screenings. A mammogram, which is an x-ray photograph of the breast, is one of the most important tools doctors have not only for screening for breast cancer, but also for diagnosing, evaluating, and following up people who have had one. breast cancer. Mammograms are recommended annually for women over 40.
Breast self-exams (BSEs) are also recommended to help detect cancer at an early stage. These exams can be performed by any gender at any age. BSE is convenient; because you are doing your own exam, they can be done on your free time, in your own home, as often as you like (at least once a month), and they’re free!
When performing BSE, individuals should note any changes in the size, shape, and color of the skin and nipple. If there are any unusual changes, such as discharge or presence of fluid, redness, pain, rash, or swelling, be sure to see your doctor. After checking the appearance, the next step is to check for lumps and tenderness. It is important to check the entire breast – from top to bottom, side to side, from the collarbone to the top of the abdomen and from the armpit to the center of the chest. It can be done sitting, standing and even in the shower.
What if you find a bump or notice a change in appearance? Do not panic. Most women have lumps in their breasts all the time, and often the lumps are found to be non-cancerous. Some bumps are due to hormonal changes, which is why it is recommended that women perform BSE after their menstrual cycle. If a lump or change in the breast is new or worrying, make an appointment with your doctor for further evaluation. Early detection is the key!
Although breast health is not the most pleasant subject to discuss, especially at the table, knowledge is power! Knowing the risk factors, warning signs, and how to spot breast cancer at an early stage can simply save your life or the life of a loved one. Over the past two decades, we have seen a decrease in breast cancer rates in the United States. This is in part due to increased awareness and education. Let’s show our support for those who have fought or are currently battling breast cancer by sharing this information, participating in cancer screenings, doing self-exams, learning more about this disease and encouraging others to do so. the same.
Bulletin
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