|
||||
 |
October is Breast Cancer awareness month
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, but can also affect a small percentage of men as well. It is also the leading cause of death in women in the United States; however, early detection and the availability of more effective treatments has lowered the mortalit rate in breast cancer sufferers sugnigicantly.
The highest risk factor for breast cancer is family history. A mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer can double a woman's risk. In addition, Caucasian women are slightly more likely t o develop breast cancer than non-Caucasian women; howver, statistics haves shown that the mortality rate is higher in African-American women. Asian and Hispanic women are at a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Women who began menstruating at an early age (12 and under) or who went through menopause at a late age (55 and above) are in a slightly higher risk group.
Lifestyle risk factors can include women who have not had children or who had their first child after age 30. In addition, smoking, drinking alcohol, obesity and high-fat diet can increase one's risk. There have been no conclusive studies regarding the use of hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives and their relationship to developing breast cancer.
There really is no certain way to prevent breast cancer; certainly eating a good diet and exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake and not smoking are of benefit. However, despite one's lifestyle, it is important that all women perform a breast self-examination (BSE) on a regular basis and obtain a screening mammogram at least once per year beginning at age 40 for early detection and intervention. Your physician can educate you in how often a screening mammogram should be obtained. Depending on your family and social history, the intervals between these two procedures will be decided by your doctor.
The good news is that, in most cases, breast cancer does not automatically sentence a woman to several months or more of horrific side-effects of chemotherapy. Where at one time a woman with breast cancer had to endure severe nausea and vomiting, loss of hair, generalized weakness and overall malaise, there are many ne treatment options available today. In fact, in one of the most common forms of breast cancer, chemotherapy treatment is gien orally with veery few, and much less harsh, side-effects.
Let the month of October remind you to make an appointment with your physician for a complete physical and breast examination, including mammography, on a yearly basis. Let it also serve to remind us of those who currently suffer from the disease so that we can offer our support. One breast cancer survivor once said: “The best support that women can give other women who have breast cancer is by taking responsibility for their own health, by obtaining regular screening and examinations, and by living a healthy and positive lifestyle, so that one day this disease will eventually be eradicated.” Sounds like good advice.
Previous Articles: |
|---|
Fibromyalgia Syndrome |
|
Asthma |
|
Heart disease: A preventable surprise |
|
Laser Vision Correction |
|
||||
| |
| This week's Top 5 Health related Videos |
|---|
| Health News from the Associated Press |
|---|
|
|