Early Detection is the Key to Surviving Breast Cancer-Los Angeles Sentinel | Los Angeles Sentinel

Dr. Brandentner, a family physician and assistant physician at the Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw Clinic Building in Kaiser Permanente.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is a potentially deadly disease, affecting approximately 245,000 women and killing more than 44,000 each year in the United States.

In addition, it is estimated that one in eight women (12%) in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

According to the CDC, black and white women are diagnosed with breast cancer at about the same rate, but black women die from breast cancer at a higher rate than white women. Compared to white women, the incidence of breast cancer was higher in black women under the age of 60, but lower in black women over the age of 60. In addition, breast cancer is more likely to be detected earlier in white women than in black women.

According to health experts, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it is very important for women in the black community to better understand the importance of symptoms, causes and early detection, often raw and often raw. It makes a difference in death. ..

“Next to skin cancer, breast cancer affects more American women than any other form of cancer,” says Kaiser Permanente’s Baldwin Hills-Clenshaw Clinic Building family doctor and assistant physician. Dr. Brandenterner said. “Early detection saves lives because it is easy to treat and is the best way to diagnose the disease before it reaches an advanced stage, which often leads to more serious complications, including death.”

According to the CDC, most breast cancers are found in women over the age of 50, but breast cancer also affects young women. About 10% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women under the age of 45. Men can also get breast cancer, which is less common. According to the CDC report, less than 1% of breast cancers occur in men.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), consisting of doctors and disease experts, reviews research on the best ways to prevent disease and recommends ways doctors can help patients avoid or detect disease early. It is an organization and recommended for women. People between the ages of 50 and 74 who are at average risk of breast cancer get a mammogram every two years.

Women between the ages of 40 and 49 should consult their doctor about when to start and how often to get a mammogram. The USPSTF encourages women to weigh the benefits and risks of screening tests before the age of 50 and when deciding whether to start taking mammograms before the age of 50.

“Breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, but it helps detect breast cancer early when it is easy to treat,” Dr. Turner said. “Talk to your doctor about getting a mammogram.”

What are the symptoms?

According to the CDC, breast cancer has a variety of symptoms, including:

• Changes in breast size and shape.

• Pain in any part of the breast.

• Nipple discharge (including blood) other than breast milk.

• A new lump under the chest or arms.

“If you have any signs of concern, see your doctor right away,” Dr. Turner said. “Most women with breast cancer do not have a known risk factor or history of the disease in their family, so it is important to be cautious and do what you can to reduce your risk of breast cancer.”

Breast cancer risk

The CDC points out that many lifelong factors can affect the risk of breast cancer. You may not be able to change some factors, such as aging or your family history, but you can reduce your risk of breast cancer by taking care of your health in the following ways:

• If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about other ways to reduce your risk.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Regular exercise.

• Do not drink alcohol or limit alcoholic beverages.

• If you are taking or are told to take hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives, talk to your doctor about the risks and see if they are right for you.

• If possible, breastfeed your child.

“Maintaining good health throughout life reduces the risk of developing breast cancer and other illnesses and increases the chances that the cancer will survive if it does occur,” said Dr. Turner.