October 22, 2022 Issue, Page 14 of 22

Page Text

2B October 22, 2022 @ Healthy Habits Family history Leading a healthy lifestyle is recommended to protect your overall increases risk for health and may help reduce your risk for certain cancers. breast cancer OOOODD Millions of people across the globe + Moderate risk: This is a some- Here are a few tips to follow: will be diagnosed with breast can- what higher risk that may not turn cer this year. In fact, only certain into breast cancer. It occurs when skin cancers affect more women there is one or two first-degree or than breast cancer within the two second-degree female rela- United States and Canada. tives with breast cancer (in one ‘The World Cancer Research Fund breast only), with both relatives International says breast cancer diagnosed after age 50; otherwise, is the most commonly diagnosed ‘one or two first- or second-degree cancer in women across the globe. relatives with high grade prostate Belgium, The Netherlands and cancer. Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Luxembourg had the highest + Strong: Women with strong risks number of breast cancer cases in have much higher chances of de- Get regular physical activity. 2020, while Barbados and Fiji had veloping breast cancer than the Maintain a healthy weight. the greatest number of deaths at- general population. Conditions tributed to the disease. Some of like having one or more first- or Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day. these high case numbers may be second-degree relatives with attributed to women with family breast cancer diagnosed at age 45 Do not smoke. Or, quit smoking. histories of breast cancer - some- or younger, triple negative breast thing that increases risk signifi- cancer, primary cancer of both cantly. @ Scheduling Exams breasts, and both breast and ovar- BreastCancer.org indicates that ian cancer in the same relative are women with close relatives who warning signs of increased risk. have had breast cancer, such as sisters, mothers or grandmothers, It's important for women with While living a healthy life can help reduce your risk for cancer, are at considerably higher risk of increased risk for breast cancer women can be diagnosed with breast cancer at any age. Detecting developing breast cancer them- due to family history to discuss selves. Also, breast cancer may options with their doctors. More breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be occur at a younger age in women frequent mammograms and other with family histories of the dis- screening tests may be recom- successful, still provides the best hope for survival. This is why it is ‘mended, and screening at younger ease. so important for you to schedule regular exams. Below you will find Understanding breast cancer risk ages than the standard age also is vital for women’s health. The may be considered. Women who some general guidelines for breast cancer early detection methods. following breakdown, courtesy of are at high risk may be urged to You should always consult with your doctor to create a screening the Centers for Disease Control undergo genetic counseling and and Prevention, can help women testing for hereditary breast and schedule that is most appropriate for you. from all backgrounds understand ovarian cancer markers. their risk for breast cancer. Breast cancer can be an especially ‘Average risk: No first- or second- scary prospect for women with degree relatives with breast or family histories of the disease. ovarian cancer, or one second- By familiarizing themselves with EXAM AGE FREQUENCY degree female relative with breast their risks for breast cancer, wom- cancer (in one breast only) diag- en can take the necessary steps to Breast Self-Awareness 18+ Regularly/Monthly nosed after age 50. protect their long-term health. Well-Woman Exam 21+ Yearly Mammogram 40+ Yearly Can breast cancer be prevented? @ Assessing Your Personal Risk A risk factor is a characteristic that increases the likelihood of developing cancer. Below are just a few breast cancer risk factors: * lam awoman aged 40 or above: OYes DINo ¢ | have been previously diagnosed with breast cancer or ovarian cancer: OYes [JNo * My mother, sister, and/or daughter has tested positive for a gene mutation that is associated with higher risk of breast cancer (i.e. BRCAI or BRCA2): Breast cancer occurs when there - Eat plenty of fruits and vegeta- OYes [No is rapid growth of mutated (can- bles. cerous) cells in the tissues of the - Breastfeed, if possible. * | have tested positive for a gene mutation that is breasts, and potentially in the sur- Don't smoke, as smoking is relat- rounding skin and lymph nodes. ed to the formation of 15 different associated with higher risk of breast cancer (i.e. BRCAI Various factors contribute to the cancers. development of cancer, including + Engage in regular exercise, aim- or BRCA2): genetics, gender, environmental OYes [INo exposure to certain materials, and ing for at least 30 minutes per day. lifestyle choices like diet and exer- + Avoid hormone contraceptive cise, products, particularly after the While there are steps women can age of 35, and weigh the pros and If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, please take to lower their risk of develop- cons of hormonal menopause ing breast cancer, there is no way treatment. explore the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool from National to completely prevent the dis- + Schedule and undergo regular Cancer Institute. Click here to go to that assessment: ease. Even preventative surgical mammograms. removal of the breasts, known as - Speak with a doctor about your Cancer.gov/bcrisktool prophylactic mastectomy, cannot family history of breast cancer and eliminate every breast cell, leaving take added precautions if there is ‘open the possibility that breast a significant family history and/ cancer can develop. The Siteman Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have. If you Cancer Center reminds people or genetic factors that make you more vulnerable. that these strategies can help to answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you may Breast cancer is prolific. Although lower breast cancer risk as much as possible: the disease is not entirely pre- specifically want to talk to your doctor about genetic Limit alcohol consumption, or do ventable, there are many ways for counseling or if genetic testing is right for you. not drink at all. women to reduce their risk of de- + Maintain a healthy weight. velovine it.