.:A Desert Lifestyle Extra:.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Story by Erin Martinez
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In fact, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrates its 25th year in 2009.Will you be wearing a pink ribbon this fall? The following are some facts, common myths, awareness events and resources to help you in the fight to prevent and cure breast cancer.
Statistics*
More than 200,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year; nearly 40,000 will die from the disease. Men can develop breast cancer too. Approximately 1,500 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year; 400 will die from the disease. The older a woman is, the more likely she is to develop breast cancer. However, women younger than 40 are still at risk. Talk with your doctor today about your own personal risk.
Early Detection is Key
A breast cancer diagnosis may come unexpectedly: detected with a mammogram, found during a visit to the doctor’s office or discovered through a breast self-exam at home. Finding cancer early may make an immense difference. Roughly half of American women over 40 do not follow the recommended guidelines for clinical examination and regular mammography. Many of them do not have a doctor or are too afraid of the results to have an exam. Be a hero, tell as many women as possible about the lifesaving benefits of early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Schedule your own breast cancer screening today.
Common Breast Cancer Myths**
Myth: Finding a lump in my breast indicates I have breast cancer.
Truth: If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or any changes in breast tissue, see a physician immediately. However, 8 out of 10 breast lumps are benign or not cancerous. Take charge of your health by performing routine breast self-exams, establishing ongoing communication with your doctor and scheduling regular mammograms.
Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread.
Truth: A mammogram, or X-ray of the breast, is one of the best tools available for the early detection of breast cancer. It CANNOT cause cancer to spread.
Myth: Having a family history of breast cancer means I will get it.
Truth: While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who become inflicted with breast cancer have no family history. If your mother, daughter, sister or grandmother had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age 35.
Myth: Breast cancer is contagious.
Truth: You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else's body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth in your own body. However, you can protect yourself by being aware of the risk factors and following an early detection plan.
Myth: Knowing you have changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene can help you prevent breast cancer.
Truth: While alterations in these genes in men and women can predispose an individual to an increased risk of breast cancer, only 5 to 10 percent of patients actually have this mutation. This is not an absolute correlation. Like your age or family history, you simply cannot control your genetic makeup. Tell your physician, perform regular breast self-exams and focus on the fact that your chances of not having this disease are greater than 90 percent.
*Statistics from Susan G. Komen for the Cure
**Myths and Truths from the National Breast Cancer Foundation
Reduce Your Risk
Exercise: Exercise pumps up the immune system and lowers estrogen levels. With as little as four hours of exercise per week, a woman can begin to lower her risk of breast cancer.
Diet: A nutritious, low-fat diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. A high-fat diet increases the risk as fat triggers estrogen production that can fuel tumor growth.
Smoking: There is no conclusive link between smoking and breast cancer. However, due to the number of health risks associated with smoking, quitting can significantly increase survival rates.
Alcohol: One or two drinks a day has been shown to slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. The greater the levels consumed, the higher the risk.
Birth Control: An increased risk of breast cancer exists for women under 35 who have been using birth control pills for more than ten years.
