Doctor’s Instructions: Supporting Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors Through Knowledge | Community News

In addition to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. Twelve percent, or about one in eight women, develop invasive breast cancer for life.

But breast cancer is not the only disease in women. Men also get it. Although this type of cancer is rare in men (1 in 883), it is more likely to die of cancer than women because it is often not detected until it progresses late.

Breast cancer research has found a variety of factors that contribute to the development of breast cancer.

One major risk factor is genetics. For example, a woman who has a relative of a woman who has had breast cancer, such as a sister, mother, or daughter, has a double risk of developing breast cancer. In addition to genetics, other important risk factors for breast cancer are gender (being female) and age.

As women grow older, their chances of developing breast cancer increase steadily. For every three cases of invasive breast cancer, two of these cases are found in women 55 years and older.

Unfortunately, age and genetics cannot be changed. Fortunately, however, some protective measures that individuals can take to keep their risk of developing breast cancer (and other types of cancer) low include:

• Maintain a healthy weight according to age, height, body type and activity level.
• Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption.
• Get enough physical activity (at least 150 minutes a week for adults).
• Avoid smoking and use other tobacco products.
• Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and limit refined sugars and processed foods.
• Hazardous chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) (contained in plastics), phosphorus (contained in lawns and garden products), parabens and phthalates (contained in cosmetics), pesticides and antibiotics (contained in foods) Reduces exposure to.

In addition to the list above, it is important to have regular self-examinations and participate in regular breast cancer screenings.

A mammogram, an x-ray of the breast, is one of the most important tools doctors have to screen for breast cancer, as well as to diagnose, evaluate, and track people who have had breast cancer before. ..

Mammograms are recommended annually for women starting at age 40.

Breast self-examination is also recommended for early detection of cancer. These exams can be conducted regardless of age or gender.

BSE is convenient because you do the exam yourself. BSE can be done at your own time, at your own home, as much as you like (at least every month), and above all, it’s free.

When performing BSE, individuals should be aware of changes in skin and nipple size, shape, and color. Always check with your doctor for any abnormal changes such as the presence of secretions or water, redness, pain, rash, or swelling.

After checking the appearance, the next step is to feel the lump and softness. It is important to check the entire breast from top to bottom, left and right, from the collarbone to the upper abdomen, from the armpits to the center of the chest. This can be done while sitting, standing, and even in the shower.

What if you find a lump or notice a change in appearance? Don’t panic.

Most women always have lumps in their breasts, and often the lumps turn out to be non-cancerous. Women are advised to perform BSE after the menstrual cycle, as some lumps are due to hormonal changes.

If you are concerned about new breast lumps or changes, schedule a visit with your doctor for further evaluation. Early detection is key.

Breast health may not be the most comfortable topic to discuss, especially at the supper, but knowledge is power. Knowing risk factors, warning signs, and ways to detect breast cancer early can save your life and the lives of your loved ones.

Over the last two decades, the incidence of breast cancer has declined in the United States. This is partly due to increased awareness and education.

People who have fought or are currently fighting breast cancer by giving this information, participating in cancer screenings, conducting self-examinations, learning more about the disease, and encouraging others to do the same. Let me show you our support.