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WOMEN'S HEALTH
Breast Cancer: AWARENESS, SCREENINGS AND REDUCING YOUR RISK by Lisa Sousou, RPA-C
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ctober is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among U.S. women. However, its overall death rate in the U.S. has been decreasing steadily over time, due to improvement in treatments and to increased early detection. Learn about the symptoms of breast cancer, factors that increase and decrease your risk, and how to maximize the chance of early detection. Then spread the news!
Symptoms of breast cancer
One of the most common symptoms is a lump, but breast cancer does not always present with a mass. Other symptoms can include thickening of the breast tissue, change in shape of the breast, dimpling of the skin, or a rash or even an “orange-peel” appearance to the skin. A newly inverted nipple or a bloody nipple discharge can also be a symptom. Not all of these symptoms definitely mean cancer, but any change to the breast should be examined by a medical provider.
Risk factors
Most women are aware that a family history of breast cancer can increase one’s own risk. A woman’s risk nearly doubles if she has one first-degree relative who was diagnosed. Families with many breast cancer cases are more likely to carry mutations of a gene called BRCA, which can increase lifetime breast cancer risk to as high as 70 percent. Some BRCA mutations also increase risk of ovarian cancer. However, only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are associated with a BRCA mutation, and more than 85 percent of breast cancers occur in women with no family history at all. Besides family history, other risk factors include: Age: Incidence increases with age, and most cases are found in women aged 55 or older. Race: Ashkenazi women are more likely to carry BRCA mutations, and among women under 45 years old, Black women are more commonly diagnosed than non-Black women. Starting menstrual periods early, before age 12, or menopause later than age 55. Having dense breasts- a common, not abnormal, finding on mammogram- which increases risk by 1.5 to 2 times. Taking menopausal hormone therapy containing both estrogen and progestin (the risk is low- an increase of eight breast cancers per 10,000 women taking estrogen plus progestin for a year). Estrogen therapy alone has not been shown to increase breast cancer risk. Contrary to common belief, neither aluminum-containing antiperspirants nor wearing a bra has been linked to breast cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, avoiding alcohol - or at least limiting it to no more than one drink per day and breastfeeding may help reduce risk.
October 2020
Survivor Edition
