Let’s Talk About Breast Cancer
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here’s what you need to know.
Approximately 297,790 women and 2,800 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023. Yes, men can get breast cancer too! Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States as almost 13% of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lifetime. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since 1989, mostly attributed to increased awareness, earlier diagnosis, and treatment options.
What are the risk factors for breast cancer? Risk factors for women include being female, age (getting older), a family or personal history of breast cancer, and inherited genetic mutations. Risk factors for men include age, a family history of breast cancer, being overweight/obese, and having diabetes.
What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer? Signs and symptoms for women include but are not limited to a lump in the breast; swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast; change in breast size; dimpling of the skin; itchy or scaly nipple; sudden nipple discharge, or new pain in the breast that doesn’t go away. Signs and symptoms for men include but are not limited to a change in the size or shape the nipple; dimpling or redness on the skin of the breast; nipples that are itchy, scaly, sore, or have a rash; pulling of the skin on the nipple; and nipple discharge. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your health care provider.
What can I do to prevent breast cancer? There are currently no ways to prevent breast cancer.
What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer? Women can reduce their risk of breast cancer by staying at a healthy weight, being physically active, and avoiding or limiting alcohol. Women who are at a higher risk of breast cancer should talk to their health care provider to see if genetic testing, certain medicines, or preventative surgery is right for them. The American Cancer Society now recommends annual mammogram screenings for women beginning at age 45 (the previous recommendation was age 40) and every two years beginning at age 55. If you are at high risk these recommendations may be different. Talk to your health care provider about the recommended screening for your situation.
For more information see: The information above was obtained from the websites from The American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen website. More information can be found by contacting these organizations or by talking with your health care provider.