As the second week of October comes to an end, it is important to reflect on what this month signifies: breast cancer awareness month. Every year in October, major breast cancer charities organize annual international health campaigns to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. Statistics show that one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. It is also the second leading cancer that leads to death in women. Knowing this, it is important that women take steps for prevention and early diagnosis.
One of the most important things that we can do is give ourselves a self- breast examination once a month, two to three days after our periods.
If you feel uncomfortable giving yourself breast checks and want a more thorough check you can go to your gynecologist, local health clinic, or local Planned Parenthood for mammograms and breast checks.
Some risk factors to keep in mind are:
- Family history and genetic factors such as your mother, sister, father or child being diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. You have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the future.
- Certain genome changes, such as mutations in certain genes, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can increase your risk for breast cancer. To determine whether or not you have these mutations, a genetic test can be done.
- Dense breast tissue is also a huge risk factor in breast cancer. Having dense breast tissue can increase your risk for breast cancer and makes lumps harder to detect. Several states have passed laws requiring physicians to disclose to women if their mammogram indicates they have dense breast so that they are aware of this risk and can take necessary precautions.
- It is important to stay informed of potential risks and ways to stay healthy, as women we must seek to educate and inform rather than fear and avoid. Educate your friends and family on proper breast health so that we all have a chance at beating this life taking disease.