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Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Part #1

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and its purpose is to educate everyone on this particular type of cancer that effects millions of women every year. Most people know family or friends that have been affected by this disease. My grandmother is a breast cancer survivor and I am at a fairly high risk myself.

Over 200, 000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, and many go undiagnosed until it is to late due to the lack of health care.

Here are some the risks factors and what you can do about them.

Risk #1: There are some cases of breast cancer in men, but the majority of breast cancers are found in female patients. Although women of Caucasian decent are more likely to develop breast cancer, women of other minorities including African Americans are more likely to die from breast cancer. Most researches believe that this is because minorities may not have access to affordable health care and are not diagnosed until the breast cancer has progressed into later stages.

What you can do: There is not anything you can do about being female or what race you are a part of, but you can perform monthly breast exams. Early detection of any type of cancer is critical to successful treatment, and any lump, uncommon soreness, discharge, or any other unusual symptom should be discussed immediately with a doctor. Women should also have yearly mammograms starting at age 35-40 depending on your risks factors.

Risk #2: Women who get their first period at a younger age seem to be slightly more at risk for developing breast cancer than those who started later. A possible reason for this is that the body is exposed to more hormones.

What you can do: There are many synthetic chemicals and hormones that are used in our food, water, and products we buy. Try to be an informed consumer and limit the exposure of potentially harmful substances, especially in food, water, and products you put on your skin such as lotions and cosmetics.

Risk #3: If you have a family history of breast cancer that puts you at a greater risk of developing the disease yourself.

What you can do: You cannot change your genetics, but you can be diligent about reducing your other risk factors, performing breast exams, and getting mammograms.

See tomorrow’s post for Part #2

Some of this information comes from the Susan G Komen website
More info at www.breastcancer.org

See the Discussing Breast Cancer Blog for much more information.

Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Susan G Komen, Breast Cancer Risks