Methods to decrease your breast most cancers threat at present — The Downey Patriot

DOWNEY — With October noticed as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s necessary for girls to have a greater understanding of this probably lethal illness that affected roughly 310,720 girls final yr within the U.S. and prompted greater than 42,250 deaths, in accordance with the American Cancer Society.

Because one in eight girls within the U.S. might be identified with breast most cancers in her lifetime, realizing the signs, causes and significance of early detection might be the distinction between life and loss of life, in accordance with well being specialists.

“It’s vitally important for women to better understand this disease because breast cancer impacts more American women than any other form of cancer,” stated Dr. Stephanie Angarita, a breast surgical oncologist at Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center. “That’s why early detection is so crucial because it saves lives. The disease is much easier to treat when it’s diagnosed early, whereas advanced stage breast cancer can often lead to more involved treatments, complications and even death.”

Although most breast cancers are present in girls who’re age 50 or older, youthful girls are usually not resistant to this illness, Dr. Angarita cautioned. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10% of all new circumstances of breast most cancers within the U.S. are present in girls youthful than age 45. Men can also get breast most cancers, however it’s not as widespread. Less than 1% of breast cancers happen in males, the CDC reviews.

To detect breast most cancers in its early phases the place early remedy might be the distinction between life and loss of life, a mammogram (an X-ray of the breast) is very advisable. There are often two primary causes for getting a mammogram: screening and analysis. A screening mammogram is for somebody who doesn’t have any present breast issues. ​Diagnostic mammograms are used to analyze a selected breast downside.

At Kaiser Permanente, girls with common breast most cancers threat have the choice of receiving mammograms each 1 to 2 years as soon as they flip 40.

For folks with above-average threat, advisable screening schedules range. Talk to your physician about your state of affairs.

Once you flip 75, have a dialog together with your physician about the advantages and dangers of continued screening.

What Are the Symptoms?

According to the CDC, there are totally different signs of breast most cancers, which ​can embody:

• A brand new lump within the breast or underarm.

• A change within the measurement or the form of the breast.

• Nipple discharge aside from breast milk (together with blood).

“You should not delay seeing a doctor if you have any signs that worry you,” Dr. Angarita stated. “It’s important to be vigilant and do what you can to lower your breast cancer risk.”

Breast Cancer Risks

The CDC notes many components over the course of a lifetime can affect your breast most cancers threat. You could not have the ability to change some components reminiscent of getting older or your loved ones historical past, however you may assist decrease your threat of breast most cancers by caring for your well being within the following methods:

• Keep a wholesome weight.

• Exercise frequently.

• If you’ve got a household historical past of breast most cancers, discuss to your physician about different methods to decrease your threat.

• If you take, or have been informed to take hormone substitute or contraception capsules, ask your physician concerning the dangers and discover out whether it is best for you.

• Don’t drink alcohol, or restrict alcoholic drinks.

• If attainable, breastfeed your kids.

“A healthy lifestyle will lower your risk of developing breast cancer and other diseases, including other forms of cancer,” Dr. Angarita stated. “It will also improve your chances of surviving cancer if it does occur.”