October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Unfortunately, breast cancer has probably affected all of us in some way. With one in eight women receiving the diagnosis in their lifetime, it’s the most common cancer in American women. BCAM is a time for women to gather information, share their stories, and literally take health into their own hands with self-examination.

In honor of those who have recently been diagnosed and those who sadly lost the fight, we’re encouraging women everywhere to monitor their bodies closely for signs and symptoms of breast cancer. And to all of the breast cancer survivors in our community, we wear pink this October for you!

Risk Factors

There are many types of breast cancer depending on which cells are affected, so the risk factors vary. Unchangeable factors like your sex, ethnicity, age, genetics, or family history can all play a part, but it’s more helpful to focus on the things we can control, like our lifestyle choices. 

Three common lifestyle-related breast cancer risk factors include drinking, weight, and birth control.

1. Alcohol is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Women who drink one alcoholic beverage on average daily have a small increased risk (7-10%) compared to people who have zero, and women who have two to three drinks a day have about a 20% higher risk than others.
2. Beingoverweight or obese can also increase your overall risk of various cancers, including breast cancer. When the ovaries stop producing estrogen after menopause, most women’s estrogen is derived from fat tissue. Therefore, having more fat tissue can raise estrogen levels with age, and increase your chance of developing breast cancer.
3. Studies have found that women who have used birth control have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer than those who have never used it. This is likely due to the hormones most forms of birth control release, which could fuel breast cancer growth over time.

Other possible lifestyle risk factors include hormone therapy, not getting enough physical activity, or not having children. For more information on the risk factors of breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society.

Signs and Symptoms

If you notice any of the following signs of breast cancer, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Symptom may include:

• general pain
• skin changes, such as swelling, redness, or other visible differences in one or both breasts
• increase in size or shape of breasts
• changes in the appearance of nipples
• lumps or nodes felt on or inside the breast

Although some women experience symptoms, the best course of action for catching breast cancer in its beginning, most treatable stages, is through early detection.

Famous news anchor, Giuliana Rancic, is one of the many breast cancer survivors who are vocal about their journey and the importance of staying diligent with your health.

“I thought, if this can happen to me, this can happen to anyone. I thought how all these women my age, younger, older, watch me on TV every night and if just one woman goes and does a self-check, or gets a mammogram and finds her breast cancer early, wouldn’t that be incredible?” Said, Rancic.

Self-exams and Screening

Fortunately, mortality rates due to breast cancer are decreasing, and self-exams are partially to thank! Doctors recommend examining your breasts at least once a month, but the more frequent, the better. As a woman, it’s necessary to be well familiarized with your body and how your breasts look and feel so you can recognize any changes. For a detailed guide on how to self-examine your breasts, click here.

Along with self-exams, the most important thing you can do to detect breast cancer early is to get a mammogram. A mammogram is a low-energy X-ray that screens the breast for abnormalities, signs of cancer, and can detect tumors before they can be felt.

There are two types of mammograms:

1. Screening mammogram: This kind looks for signs of breast cancer in women who don’t have any symptoms or breast-related issues. Multiple X-rays are taken from different angles on each breast.
2. Diagnostic mammogram: This type is used to look at a woman’s breast if she has been experiencing symptoms or if changes are seen on the screening mammogram. These X-rays show additional views that aren’t included in a standard screening mammogram.

The American Cancer Association recommends the following guidelines for receiving mammograms:

• Women ages 30-40 with a family history should consult their healthcare provider about the advisable age to start getting them.
• Women ages 44-55 should get one every year.
• Women ages 55 and older should get one every other year.

Is it time for you to get a mammogram? BCAM is the perfect opportunity to schedule an appointment!

Support

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with breast cancer, support is available.  The American Cancer Society offers online resources for finding local support groups in your area. You are not alone; we support the fighters and admire the survivors in our community.

Keep the conversation going this October! Share this article with the women in your life to raise awareness of the proactive measures they can take against breast cancer!