Why Is Breast Health Such an Important Topic?

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – the perfect time to learn more about this most common form of cancer among women in the United States (other than skin cancer). Each year, more than 202,000 American women receive the news that they have this frightening, but often treatable, disease. You might be surprised to know that men can get breast cancer too, although it is less common.

What causes breast cancer?
The exact cause of breast cancer remains unknown; however, medical experts attribute certain risk factors such as age, gender, race, family history, genetics and early breast radiation to the development of breast cancer.

Additionally, certain risk factors related to lifestyle may play a role. These include not having children or having them later in life, long-term use of birth control pills and/or postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, consuming alcohol regularly, smoking, being overweight or obese, and not getting enough exercise.

It’s important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that a person will necessarily develop breast cancer, but that they may be at a higher risk for getting the disease.

How is breast cancer found?
The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances are to treat it successfully.

Beginning in their 20s, women should be told about the benefits and limitations of breast self-exams (BSEs). They should be aware of how their breasts normally look and feel, and report any breast changes to a health professional as soon as they are found. Women with breast implants can also do BSE. It may be useful to have your surgeon help identify the edges of the implant so that you know what you are feeling.

Clinical breast exams (CBEs) are recommended for women in their 20s and 30s. A CBE should be performed by your family doctor or obstetrician every three years for women in this age group and every year for women age 40 and older.

It is recommended that women begin having a mammogram at age 40 and continue doing so every year.

Finding a change in the feel of the breast does not necessarily mean it is cancer, but it should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately.

How is breast cancer treated?
The majority of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer will have some type of surgery to treat the breast tumor and remove as much of the cancer as possible. Surgical procedures also allow physicians to determine whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm, to restore the breast’s appearance after a mastectomy, or to alleviate symptoms of advanced forms of cancer. Your physician will discuss the best options for you.

The most important thing to know is that many forms of breast cancer are treatable, especially when the cancer is found at an early stage. You should not let the fear of breast cancer keep you from getting examined or treated.