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Community Corner

Knowledge Fights Breast Cancer: Part 1

Being informed about breast cancer can save lives and bring hope.

You can’t go anywhere in the community right now without seeing or reading about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Research, treatment, survival rates, support groups and fundraising have come a long way since the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month more than two decades ago ago. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer death rates have been declining since 1990. This is likely due to the increase of early detection, better education about cancer and enhanced treatment options. However, it is also estimated that in the year 2011, about 39,520 women will die of breast cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer related death among women, second only to lung cancer.

The good news about breast cancer, if there is good news about cancer, is that there is hope. Hope in early detection, hope in education, and hope in advanced treatment options.

Early detection techniques and strategies:

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  • At age 20 begin self breast exams and watch for any changes in your breast.
  • Between 20 and 39 have an annual (or at least every three years) breast exam by your doctor.
  • At age 40 have a baseline mammogram and annual exam by your doctor.
  • Between ages 40 and 49 have a mammogram every year or every two years based on your doctor’s recommendation.
  • Age 50 and older should have a mammogram every year.
  • Women of ALL ages should notify their doctor if they detect a lump or change in the structure of feel of their breast.

In addition, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. Another strategy for early detection is to make your doctor aware of your health history and any family members (especially mothers
or sisters) who have or have had breast cancer. If your doctor is aware of your health risks, then he/she can make better medical decisions based on your circumstances.

Early detection also includes knowing what to watch for. If you see a change in your breast, experience nipple tenderness or discharges notify your doctor. You may also notice a lump or thickening around your breast and/or underarm. The skin around your breast, areola or nipple may begin to appear scaly or bumpy like an orange. It’s also important to remember when you started to see these changes. It can help your doctor develop a timeline and monitor any suspicious developments.

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I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that men can also get breast cancer. Unfortunately, breast cancer in men can go untreated because of embarrassment or a lack of awareness. While there are not as many cases of men getting breast cancer (in 2011, an estimated 2,140 cases of invasive breast cancer in men will be reported), it is important to bring awareness to the health issue. Men should also be watching for any changes in the breast area and report them to their health care professional.

Higher risk factors for breast cancer:

  • Family history of breast cancer.
  • Early onset of menstrual cycle or late menopause.
  • Age (women over 65 account for half of the diagnosed cases).
  • Obesity (poor diet and exercise).
  • History of hormone treatment such as estrogen or progesterone.
  • Dense breast tissue.

Patients who are diagnosed early with breast cancer have a much higher survival rate than those who get late detection. This is why early detection techniques should be implemented and awareness of your risk factors should be discussed with your doctor.

Next:

Knowledge Fights Breast Cancer: Part 2

Understanding the types of breast cancer, stages and prognosis, and advanced treatments for patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

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