October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is dedicated to increasing awareness of breast cancer issues and the importance of early detection. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, aside from skin cancer. Both men and women can get breast cancer, but it is rare in men.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 182,460 women in the United States will be found to have invasive breast cancer in 2008. About 40,480 women will die from the disease this year. The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about 1 in 8, and the chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 35.

The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances that treatment will work. Mammograms are the best method to detect breast cancer early. Women who are 40 or older should get a mamogram every year. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular exam by a health expert, at least every 3 years. Regular self-breast exams are also encouraged.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors
- Sex: The highest risk factor for breast cancer is being female; the disease is about 100 times more common among women.

- Age: The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman grows older. The risk is especially high for women age 60 and older. Breast cancer is uncommon in women younger than age 35, although it does occur. There is some evidence to suggest young African American women are at greater risk for breast cancer than young Caucasian women.

- Personal History: Women who have had breast cancer and women with a history of breast disease (not cancer, but a condition that may predispose them to cancer) may develop it again.

- Family History: The risk of developing breast cancer increases for a woman whose mother, sister, daughter, or two or more close relatives have had the disease. It is important to know how old they were at the time they were diagnosed.

- The Breast Cancer Genes: Some individuals, both women and men, may be born with an "alteration" (or change) in one of two genes that are important for regulating breast cell growth. Individuals who inherit an alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are at an "inherited" higher risk for breast cancer. They also may pass this alteration on to their children, but it is very rare. Scientists estimate that only about 5-10 percent of all breast cancers are due to genetic changes. One out of two women with these changes are likely to develop breast cancer. Women with a family history of breast cancer are encouraged to speak to a genetics counselor to determine the pros and cons of genetic testing.

Other Risk Factors - and Lifestyle Choices to Avoid
Common to all women are daily lifestyle decisions that may affect breast cancer risk. These day-to-day choices involve factors such as poor diet, insufficient physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking. Besides possibly reducing breast cancer risk, lifestyle improvements represent smart steps for a healthier life, since they can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and many other chronic, life-threatening conditions.

- Decrease your daily fat intake - especially saturated or hydrogenated fats.
Eat leaner meats and limit red meat. Reducing your fat intake helps prevent other health problems such as heart disease and stroke and may reduce your chance of developing breast and colon cancers.

- Increase fiber in your diet.
Fiber is found in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. This type of diet is beneficial for your heart and can help prevent other cancers such as colon cancer.

- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
In addition to their fiber content, fruits and vegetables have antioxidant properties and micronutrients that may help prevent some cancers.

- Limit alcohol.
Evidence suggests that a small increase in risk exists for women who average two or more drinks per day (beer, wine, and distilled liquor).

- Stay active.
The U.S. Surgeon General has recently reported that you can help prevent many health problems by engaging in a moderate amount of physical activity (such as taking a brisk, 30-minute walk) on most days of the week. Strive to maintain the body weight recommended by a health professional, since excess fat may stimulate estrogen production.

- Don't smoke.
Although smoking doesn't cause breast cancer, it can increase the chance of blood clots, heart disease, and other cancers that may spread to the breast.

For more information about breast cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please visit the links below.