October is a month defined by color–the leaves on the trees are no longer the familiar shade of green that we are used to, but a gradient of beautiful yellows, oranges and reds. The sunsets over the Susquehanna Valley look more vibrant and brilliant than ever before. October is defined by the colors brought about by the seasonal change, but it is truly famous for one color in particular: pink. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which was established over 25 years ago to promote the awareness of breast cancer and to increase the national dialogue about this devastating disease. Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women living in the United States regardless of race or ethnicity. While breast cancer is typically found in menopausal or post-menopausal women, young females in their 20s are not exempt from this disease. Although breast cancer is very rare in young women, it has the potential to be extremely serious, perhaps fatal. Although we cannot prevent against certain breast cancer risk factors such as gender, race and genetics, there are certain lifestyle change that a young woman could implement in order to generally decrease her risk in developing breast cancer.
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here are five things about breast cancer that every young woman should be cognizant of:
Breast Cancer is Treatable If Caught Early:
In the United States, a woman has roughly a 12% chance of developing breast cancer throughout her lifetime, but those women who find and treat their breast cancer at the earliest stage (stage 1) have a 95% likelihood of being cancer free after five years. The best way to detect breast cancer is through a mammogram, but women can and should receive clinical breast exams and conduct self-breast exams on themselves.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
There is a direct correlation between the amount a woman drinks and her chances of developing breast cancer. A recent study led by doctors at Harvard Medical School found that the risk of breast cancer increased by 10% per 10 grams of alcohol consumption per day (10 grams is approximately the amount of alcohol found in a single drink). Women who consume more than 30 grams of alcohol within a single day (or roughly two to three drinks) had approximately a 50% increased likelihood of breast cancer compared to women who abstained from alcohol consumption.
Pack Up That Gym Bag
According to the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, exercising at least four hours a week decreases hormone levels and helps to minimize a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. High levels of moderate to strenuous physical activity for young women for 30 to 60 minutes per day during their adolescent years and young adult years is a significant prevention measure against breast cancer.
Be Conscious of Your BMI and Weight Gain
Studies have shown that a high Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight gain represent another breast cancer risk factor. The more fat an in a woman’s body leads to an increased production of estrogen, which can incite breast cancer cell growth. Susan G. Komen for the Cure reports that women who gained 20 or more pounds after age 18 (with the exception of pregnancy) had a 15 to 45 percent higher risk of postmenopausal breast cancer than those women who had little to no weight gain.
You Are Your Own Advocate
It is never too early to bring up concerns with your doctor about your breast health and to ask him or her to perform a clinical breast exam. You know your body better than anyone, so it is your responsibility and right to speak up if something does not feel right to you, whether it concerns your breast health or overall health.
Be aware of:
- Lumps in your breast(s)
- Swelling in or around your breast(s), collarbone, or armpit
- Skin thickening or redness
- Breast warmth and itching
- Nipple changes
- Pain or discomfort in your breast(s)
So as you enjoy the changing of the leaves this October, keep in mind these facts, risk factors and preventative measures during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Think pink!