October HeathE by Medica

October HeathE by Medica

HealthE by Medica


October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every year, more than 260,000 women and nearly 2,500 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer —and black women have the highest rate of death from the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control(CDC). Some risk factors can’t be controlled, but it’s crucial to be aware of which ones can, and the steps you can take for prevention and detection of the second most common type of cancer for women in the U.S.

Tips for prevention:

  • Exercise regularly. Lack of physical activity increases the chance of breast cancer.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Individuals who have obesity are at a higher risk of breast cancer and open face more complications during cancer treatment.
  • Be aware of the risks of hormone treatment. Some hormone replacement therapy methods and oral contraceptives can raise the chance of breast cancer — talk to your doctor about the risks and
  • treatment options.
  • Breastfeed, if possible. Breastfeeding has been shown to lower the risk of certain types of breast cancers.
  • Avoid or limit alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol of any kind, has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer in women — the more you drink, the higher the risk.
  • Be aware of risks due to family genetics. If you have a family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations in your BRACA1 or BRACA2 genes, ask your doctor about preventive options.

Early detection matters

Early detection increases the chance of successful treatment and opens the door for more treatment options. Breast self-exams are no longer recommended by most medical organizations due to ineectiveness. However, it’s important to be familiar with how your breasts typically look and feel, and to inform your doctor of any abnormalities.

Mammograms are the most effective method of early breast cancer detection for women, and should begin between the ages of 40 - 50. For more information on early detection, visit the American Cancer Society screening page.