Health Feature: Breast Cancer Awareness

As most of you know, October is great cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, second to skin cancer, with one in eight women in the United States (roughly 12%) developing breast cancer in her lifetime. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. 

Encouragingly, the death rate from breast cancer has declined a bit in recent years, perhaps due to greater awareness and screening for this type of cancer, as well as better treatments. How can you lower your risk for breast cancer? Knowledge is the first step in learning about prevention and lowering your risk. 

We have compiled a list below of 10 important facts about breast cancer to help educate and build awareness. 

1. CANCER IS NOT ONLY HEREDITARY. In fact, only 5-10% is hereditary, so just because you don’t have any immediate family members with breast cancer, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take measures to lower your risk for disease. 
2. MEN CAN GET BREAST CANCER, TOO. Although it is more likely to occur among women, men have breast tissue and can also develop breast cancer. About 2,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer happen each year.
3. DON’T SMOKE! Women who smoke or inhale passive smoke may increase their risk of breast cancer by as much as 60 percent.
4. EAT RIGHT. Women who eat the most red meat have an 88 to 330 percent higher risk of breast cancer. Keep to a high fiber, low-fat diet, and eat less red meat. 
5. BREASTFEED IF POSSIBLE. Breastfeeding for a total of one year or more (combined for all children) lowers the risk of breast cancer. It also has great health benefits for the child.
6. GET PHYSICAL! Just 30 minutes of aerobic activity 3-5 times a week can lower your risk of breast cancer by 30 to 50 percent.
7. PESTICIDES ARE TOXIC. Did you know pesticides can get in your DNA and mess with you on a cellular level? Check the sticker on your fruits and opt for the ones that are pesticide free. 
8. JUST CHILL.  Stressed Out? Did you know that stress suppresses the immune system and is a major cause of disease? Do your best to eliminate stress and find time to relax.
9. SIZE MATTERS. While breast size does not impact your risk for cancer, obesity does. The higher risk of breast cancer for women who gain weight is likely due to higher levels of estrogen, since fat tissue is a large source of estrogen among women.
10. CHECK YOUR SELF! 1 in 8 women today will get breast cancer in their lifetime. Many of these women will find their own lumps before a doctor does. Set up a a monthly text reminder. You will thank us later.

While no one can tell you how to prevent breast cancer with any sort of guarantee, there’s evidence to suggest that certain healthy lifestyle changes can lower your breast cancer risk. Additionally, breast cancer awareness leads to earlier detection and better outcomes. If you’d like additional information about breast cancer and prevention, we suggest visiting the following reputable sites to learn more about all aspects of the disease:

The American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2015-2016
The American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2016
National Cancer Institute SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Breast Cancer
World Cancer Research Fund International
World Health Organization