Healthy RGV Issue 107 - October Has Us Thinking Pink

COVER STORY · OCTOBER 2017
OCTOBER HAS US
THINKING PINK
BREAST CANCER IS THE SECOND MOST COMMON CANCER AMONG WOMEN, WITH ABOUT A QUARTER MILLION NEW
CASES DIAGNOSED IN THE UNITED STATES EACH YEAR. EACH OCTOBER, BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
PROMOTES AWARENESS OF THE DISEASE AND THE NEED FOR MORE RESEARCH INTO CURES, AS WELL AS TO CELEBRATE
BREAKTHROUGHS IN TREATMENT THAT HELPED CREATE MORE THAN 3 MILLION SURVIVORS IN THE U.S.
“One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed
with breast cancer in her lifetime. Although it
is the second leading cause of cancer death in
women, it’s important to note that the relative fiveyear
survival rate for breast cancer is 99 percent
for those diagnosed before the cancer has spread
outside of the breast.
One in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her
lifetime. Although it is the second leading cause of cancer death in women,
it’s important to note that the relative five-year survival rate for breast cancer
is 99 percent for those diagnosed before the cancer has spread outside of
the breast. While the disease occurs most frequently in women, an estimated
2,470 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. this year. Other
than adopting a healthier lifestyle, early detection with regular mammograms
remain the single most effective way for combating the disease.
RISK FACTORS
The chance of an individual developing cancer depends on many factors,
including genetics, personal and family medical history, and lifestyle
influences. Risk factors include:
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Age: Most invasive breast cancers occur in women over age 55.
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Family History: Women with an immediate family member (mother,
sister, daughter) who has had breast cancer are twice as likely to develop
the disease. Having close male relatives with the disease also increases
risk. If you have a family history of cancer, genetic testing may help
determine your risk.
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Diet and Exercise: Overweight and/or physically inactive women have a
higher risk of developing breast cancer.
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Breast Conditions: Women with dense breast tissue and some benign
breast conditions are at higher risk.
Some women are at higher risk and should consider additional steps
to protect their health.
+ + Women with a family history of breast cancer should discuss genetic
testing with their physicians. If genetic tests indicate a woman is BRCApositive,
there are several risk reduction strategies to discuss with her
physician.
+ + Women with a first degree relative who had breast cancer before age
50 should begin receiving mammograms 10 years before reaching that
relative’s age at diagnosis.
PREVENTION
There are steps women can take to help prevent cancer. About 20 percent of
cancer deaths in the U.S. could be prevented through maintaining a healthy
weight, limiting alcohol consumption, practicing healthy nutrition, and being
physically active. Because people can change living habits, the opportunity to
prevent cancer is within our grasp.
16 HEALTHY MAGAZINE