Thanks to advances in screening and treatment, women are more likely to survive breast cancer today than they were 30 years ago. But we still have a long way to go: breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death for women after skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the leading cause for Hispanic women.
Early detection can make a big difference in a person’s prognosis. During COVID, however, many women delayed or canceled screenings, and doctors are now seeing the impact. According to a recent study by UC San Diego Health, prior to COVID, in 2019
63.9 percent of newly diagnosed patients showed signs of stage I cancer and 1.9 percent showed signs of stage IV cancer; in 2020, 51.3 percent of those diagnosed with cancer showed signs of stage 1, and 6.2 percent were stage IV.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with those sobering statistics in mind, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness. Read on to learn about what breast cancer is, who should get screened and actions you can take in your daily life to lower your risks. And if you’re one of the people who has delayed an appointment for a mammogram, and you’re due to have one, please make an appointment today.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow out of control. There are several different types of breast cancer. According to the CDC, the most common types include invasive ductal carcinoma, in which cancer cells start in the ducts of the breast and then spread; and invasive lobular carcinoma, in which cancer cells grow in the lobules of the breast and then spread.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Symptoms of breast cancer can vary from person to person. One woman may find a lump while doing a self-exam, while another may notice redness or flaking skin. Others may have no symptoms. The CDC says to be aware of the following warning signs:
- A lump in the breast or armpit
- Swelling or thickening in the breast
- Skin on the breast feels irritated or dimpled
- Skin on the breast or nipple that is red or flaky
- Pain in the nipple area, or pulling inward
- Discharge from the nipple that is not breastmilk
- Blood coming out of the nipple
- Changes in size or shape of the breast
- Pain in the breast
Who is at risk for breast cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, about 13 percent of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, accounting for a one-in-eight chance of diagnosis. The biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer is being born female, although men can also get breast cancer. In addition, according to American Cancer Society, it’s more commonly found in women ages 55 and older; in people who inherited certain gene changes (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2); in people with a family history of breast cancer, or have a personal history of breast cancer; and in people with dense breast tissue.
Are there steps you can take to prevent breast cancer?
While risk factors such as age and gender are beyond your control, there are lifestyle choices you can make that may lower your risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Those include the following:
- Limit your alcohol consumption. Studies have shown a connection between drinking and certain cancers, including breast cancer. If you do drink alcohol, Mayo Clinic says to keep it to one drink or less.
- Maintain a healthy body weight. According to the American Cancer Institute, people who are considered “obese” are at a greater risk for a number of cancers, including breast cancer. Focus on eating a balanced diet and committing to an exercise routine so that you’re working towards healthy goals.
- Breastfeed your children if you can. Research has shown that women who breastfeed have lower rates of breast cancer than those who don’t.
- Avoid taking hormones, when possible. Birth control pills and menopausal hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
How do I get screened for breast cancer?
American Cancer Society publishes guidelines for breast cancer screening, and those guidelines recommend the following:
- For women ages 40 to 44: You can choose to start annual mammogram screening.
- For women ages 45 to 54: You should get annual mammograms.
- For women 55 and older: You can switch to getting mammograms every two years or opt to continue your annual screening.
It’s important to note that these are just guidelines. Your healthcare provider knows you, your history and your family history best, and can make recommendations based on that.
Breast cancer awareness shouldn’t be limited to a single month. This October, and throughout the year, it’s important to talk about breast cancer risks, educate friends and family, make healthy lifestyle choices, and, importantly, get screened yourself. Because early detection truly can save lives.
