10 Things You Need to Know About Breast Cancer

   

By now, most people know that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and know about many of the fundraising events surrounding the month........but sadly very little more than that.  Founded in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (currently apart of AstraZeneca), the original aim was to promote mammography.  In 1993, Evelyn Lauder (Senior Corporate VP of Estee Lauder) founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and established the pink ribbon as its symbol.  (Do note that in 1991, the Susan G Koman Foundation had previously passed out pink ribbons to participants in a New York City race for survivors).

    Now that you know the abbreviated history, let's delve into what you should really be learning during this month of awareness.  Below are 10 things you need to know and learn by the month's end.

1. Breast cancer is the LEADING cause of cancer death in women ages 15-34.  Therefore it is imperative that you KNOW YOUR BREASTS.  Make sure that you speak to your doctor regarding them and make sure that you are diligent in regards to MONTHLY self-exams. 5 Step Breast Exam 
2. Clinical breast exams are just as important as self-exams and mammograms.  Most know that (minus a family history of breast cancer) women should begin routine mammograms at the age of 40.  One thing that many women are not made aware of is that a mammogram is an IMPERFECT screening tool.  For example, inflammatory breast cancer (an aggressive type that can make the breast swollen and red) if OFTEN NOT detected via mammogram.
3. Calcification (calcium deposits) are NORMAL in women over 40 and MOST are benign.  This is part of the aging process for the tissue in your breast.  Therefore if you get called back in for a mammogram "redo" do NOT freak out.  
4. Regular exercise has been CONSISTENTLY associated with a lower risk for developing breast cancer.  A study from the University of South Carolina suggests that women with high aerobic fitness levels (based on their endurance on a treadmill exercise test) have a 55% lower chance of dying from breast cancer than their less-fit peers. 

5. Being overweight and postmenopausal increases your risk for breast cancer.  The most significant source of estrogen comes from body fat, therefore the less that you have, the lower your risk factor.  Losing as little as 10 lbs, can be a wondrous help.
6.  Soy contains isoflavones, which can act like estrogen in your body and potentially stimulate the growth of certain types of breast cancer.
7. If your father or a brother has had prostate or colon cancer, your risk factor for breast cancer can be raised.   These are signs of possible BRCA1 or 2 mutations. These gene mutations can run on your father's side, so be sure to ask if any of his female relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer.
8. There are different types of breast cancer with different causes. Among the primary ones: estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancers, whose growth is fueled by the hormone estrogen; HER-2-positive breast cancers, which contain a protein called HER-2/neu; and triple-negative breast cancers, which don’t have receptors for estrogen, progesterone or HER-2.
9. Getting an MRI and a mammogram will increase the odds of picking up small tumors in women who are at high risk (if you have a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer and carry the BRCA1 or 2 mutation). (An MRI should only be ordered under the care of a breast specialist).
10. Tamoxifen and raloxifene are drugs that can block estrogen’s ability to promote breast cancer. They lower the chances of developing the disease by about 50% in women who carry the BRCA1 or 2 mutation.  These medications can be used for five years and the risk reduction continues for 10 years after stopping them.  
    

     Should you find a lump or discover discharge, be PERSISTENT.  DO NOT allow any medical professional, friend or family member convince you that you are too young or too healthy to be at risk for breast cancer.  Also, don't be afraid to get multiple opinions before putting your mind at ease or perusing a course of treatment.  There is no law preventing you from asking multiple doctors about your body.  And most importantly, RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!!!!! Know what questions to ask......know what treatment and prevention options are out there.

    It's YOUR body and YOUR life.  Treated as the precious temple that it is.