Breast cancer facts that can save your life

When life gets busy, it can be hard to stay on top of your health. But one thing you don’t want to let fall through the cracks is your breast cancer screening. The best way to fight breast cancer is to stay up to date on your mammograms and gain as much knowledge as you can about this disease.

Here are answers to some common questions about breast cancer — and the best ways to prevent it. Get the facts. Then get scheduled for your screening. 

How common is breast cancer?

It’s one of the most common cancers among American women. In fact, one in eight women will develop it in their lifetime. Women under age 45 account for about 9 percent of breast cancer cases, but most who are diagnosed are age 50 or older. And although it is rare, breast cancer can also affect men. 

What causes breast cancer?

It’s difficult to point to any one cause of breast cancer. Many factors can raise your risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anyone can get breast cancer, but risk factors you can’t change include the following:  

• Being female
• Being older than 50
• Having the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutations
• Starting your period before age 12
• Starting menopause after age 55  

Some medications, such as hormone replacement therapy, may increase your risk of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about how the medications you take may impact your risk, too.  

What lifestyle changes can reduce breast cancer risk?

Many healthy lifestyle habits can help lower your risk of breast cancer. They can also improve your odds of a good outcome if you face a diagnosis. Cancer experts suggest working the following habits into your daily routine:

• Eat a nutritious diet. That means eating enough fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
• Get regular physical activity. Aim for 30 minutes or more of moderate exercise each day. This will help you maintain a healthy weight, which keeps many diseases, including cancer, at bay.  
• Drink wisely. Drinking alcohol increases your cancer risk. If you choose to drink, limit yourself to one drink per day if you’re a woman, and two drinks per day if you’re a man.  
• If you smoke, take steps to quit. Smoking raises the risk of many types of cancers. It also puts you at risk of heart disease, stroke, and emphysema. It should be avoided entirely.  
• Get enough sleep. Quality sleep gives your body a chance to repair its cells. Aim to get at least seven to nine hours of shut-eye each night. 

Should I do breast self-exams?

The American Cancer Society no longer recommends regular self-exams as a screening tool to help find breast cancer. Still, it’s important for women to become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel, so they can spot and report any changes to their doctor.  

When should I get screened?

The American Cancer Society recommends the following frequencies for mammograms for women who are at average risk:

• Women ages 40 to 54: annually (optional up to age 44)  
• Women ages 55 and up: annually, or every other year

If you are at high risk, your screening plan will have more steps and will start sooner. Being high risk could mean that you have any of the following:  

• A first-degree relative (a parent, sibling, or child) with breast cancer    
• A second-degree relative (an aunt, uncle, or grandparent) with breast cancer    
• A clear genetic risk, especially the BRCA1, BRCA2, or other gene mutations

A mammogram can detect tiny changes to breast tissue that could later become breast cancer. When breast cancer is found early, treatment is often simpler and the cure rate higher.  

What are some signs of breast cancer?

One of the most common symptoms is a new growth in the breast. Some lumps may be tender, while others may be painless. And some even grow in the underarm area. But not all breast cancers cause a lump. Other warning signs include changes in the size or shape of the breast or nipple, pain in the breast, or discharge from the nipples.  

As always, discuss any changes or concerns with your health care team. When you schedule your mammogram, discuss timing with your doctor, as it’s recommended that you wait at least six weeks to get a mammogram after receiving any COVID-19 vaccination.

Bottom line: By signing up for a mammogram, you’re taking a huge step in protecting yourself and your future.