Early Detection is Key in the Battle Against Breast Cancer

This year over 230,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer death.  Through advancements in research, development of better diagnostic tools and treatment plans, breast cancer has a 93% survival rate when detected early. 

Early Detection is Key

1.  Know your risk factors.

There are controllable and uncontrollable risk factors.  Uncontrollable risk factors cannot be modified or changed.  Examples of uncontrollable risk factors are gender, age, genetic risk factors, family and/or personal history and race. 

Controllable risk factors are those that we can modify or change.  Make lifestyle changes in an effort to reduce your risk of breast cancer: eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, limit alcohol and don’t use tobacco.  Other controllable risk factors that can potentially increase your risk of breast cancer include use of hormone therapy or birth control pills, not having children or having them later in life and not breast-feeding. 

2.  Be aware of signs and symptoms.

Any changes to the breast such as swelling, dimpling, skin discoloration, irritation or any pain, tenderness or discharge should be reported to your physician immediately. 

3.  Schedule a mammogram. 

If you are 40 or over, make an annual appointment to have a mammogram.  This is currently the best tool to detect breast cancer. 

The American Cancer Society recommends:

• Women 40 and over get an annual mammogram
• Women in their 20’s and 30’s have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years
• High risk women should discuss with their doctor about an annual MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and mammogram

Make early detection against breast cancer a priority.  If you are 40 or over, make an appointment for a mammogram today! To learn more about the early detection of breast cancer, log onto www.cancer.org. 

Source: www.cancer.org