October is breast cancer awareness month

October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer will effect 1 out of every 8 women in the United States. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed form of cancer among women. It is the second leading cause of death from cancer among women – only lung cancer takes more women’s lives. This year over 330,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 43,000 women will die from breast cancer. What can you do to reduce your risk of dying from breast cancer?

Getting a mammogram is the most important action a woman can take against breast cancer. Mammograms detect breast cancer at an earlier stage in the disease. Early detection permits treatment when the cancer is less advanced. Treating the cancer at an earlier stage increases your opportunity for a good outcome. .Early detection of breast cancer by mammograms has been shown to reduce deaths from breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women start getting mammograms at age 40 years. This is especially important if you have a family history of breast cancer in a close relative (mother, sister or daughter). Women between the ages of 45 and 54 years should get a mammogram each year. After age 55 years, the frequency of mammograms may be reduced to every 2 years – if they have been consistently normal. Talk with your healthcare provider about what frequency of studies is right for you.

There are additional lifestyle interventions that can decrease your risk of breast cancer. First, lose weight to reach a healthy weight or maintain your current healthy weight. Being overweight increases the risk of breast cancer in women of all ages. Younger women (before menopause) can reduce their risk of breast cancer by 20% by losing excess weight. After menopause, excess weight increases the risk of breast cancer by up to 40%. Losing weight is not just about physical appearance. Weight loss, it is an important intervention to prevent cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer in women of all ages. Breast cancer is reduced by up to 21% in women who are active. The American Cancer Society recommends that you participate in 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity spread out throughout the week. Regular activity will enhance your efforts to achieve or maintain a proper weight. It also decrease the risk for other cancers (colon, kidney, stomach, and bladder) as well as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Limiting your alcohol intake will also reduce your risk of breast cancer. The more you drink the higher your risk. It is recommended that you drink only one drink of an alcoholic beverage per day.

Finally, limit the use of estrogen replacement therapy after menopause. There is a direct correlation between the duration of estrogen use after menopause and breast cancer risk. You may need it initially as you enter menopause but stop as soon as possible.

These strategies will help you avoid breast cancer.