As Breast Cancer Awareness month comes to an end, I thought it prudent to give you some important facts about Breast Cancer….Here we go:
MUST KNOW FACTS About Breast Cancer:
- 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer……age IS an independent risk factor. The older you get, the more likely you are to get breast cancer.
- NOT ALL BREAST CANCER IS DETECTED VIA MAMMOGRAPHY! Hence, the importance of self breast examination. I promote breast awareness in my practice; i.e., being AWARE of how your breasts look, feel, etc. If there are ANY changes from your baseline….notify your physician immediately.
- Obesity increases your risk for breast cancer. Postmenopausal women who are overweight have a 30-60% increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to their lean counter parts.
- Being a woman is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. Women are 100 times more likely to develop breast cancer than men.
- Most women diagnosed with breast cancer DO NOT have a family history of breast cancer. However, having an affected first-degree relative doubles your risk in comparison to someone that doesn’t have an affected first degree relative.
- Screening with mammography begins at the age of 40, and annually thereafter.
There is so much more to know regarding breast cancer……we didn’t even venture into genetics, treatment, imaging techniques other than mammography, etc. The above are just a few facts to keep you “aware”, outside of and beyond the month of October! It’s so important that we do remain aware, even after the month ends. This illness happens all year round, so it’s vital that we educate ourselves about it constantly. By educating more people, it could save lives. Cancer is an awful illness that impacts so many people, including children. That’s why it’s so important to stay aware and donate to charities where possible. By donating to charity, research organizations can continue to fund the research for treatments. This is so important, so it might be a good idea to check this link to see how you can support and draw more awareness to cancer. This could help save some lives by spreading vital information and symptoms that people can look out for. Donations and awareness are essential to try and fight this illness.
Until next time,
Look Better. Feel Better. Be Better.
Dr. Angela
