October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a campaign that aims to raise awareness of the deadly disease, encourage women to get screened every year, offer support to millions of breast cancer survivors, and hope to stop it someday.
The American Cancer Society has estimated that there will be more 270,000 new cases of breast cancer in 2019, with nearly 40,000 deaths. Although breast cancer in men is extremely rare, it is estimated that the disease affects at least 2,000 men each year in the U.S.
The Federal Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion said, “Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women. Roughly, one in eight women born in the U.S. today will get breast cancer at some point in their lives.”
Nevertheless, the mortality rate caused by breast cancer has substantially decreased – thanks to early detection and treatment.
Dr. Anne Peled, a San Francisco breast surgeon and a breast cancer survivor, told ABC7 News that most women can survive if the disease is detected and treated early.
She said she was shocked when she received the diagnosis of breast cancer because she had no familial history of breast cancer. Dr. Peled said, “I joke that I could write a blog on being a 37-year-old, vegetarian, tri-athlete with no family history. You can still get breast cancer.”
“I want women to get those lumps checked because unfortunately, they could be something,” said Dr. Peled.
Dr. Jacqueline Owens from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital said, “During national Breast Health Awareness Month, and all year long, women should remember that early detection is your best defense.”
“Perform your breast self-exam at the same time each month and know your body; know what is normal for you, and always talk to your physician if you feel an abnormality,” added Dr. Owens.
One of the most common symptoms of breast cancer is a new mass or lump. Other symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Pain in breast or nipple
- Swelling of a part of a breast
- Skin dimpling or irritation
- Nipple retraction
- Abnormal nipple discharge
- Thickening, redness, or scaling of the nipple
While certain risk factors of breast cancer, such as age and genetic predisposition are difficult to avoid, women can take preventive measures to reduce their risk of developing the condition chiefly by following a healthy lifestyle.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and undergoing annual checkups. The suggested age for screening may vary. According to the National Cancer Institute, women between the ages of 50 and 69, who get annual mammograms, are at a lower risk of dying from breast cancer.
