October is breast cancer awareness month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s campaign this year is Helping Women Now focusing on the importance of early detection. This includes doing monthly self-exams, scheduling regular physical exams and mammograms. Women should begin having a mammogram with their primary care physician at age 40.
Facts about Breast Cancer from The National Breast Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society:
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women worldwide.
- 1 in 8 women receive a breast cancer diagnosis.
- 1 in 726 men will receive a breast cancer diagnosis. While breast cancer in men is rare, it carries a higher mortality rate than women.
- Breast cancer occurrence and death rates generally increase with age.
- Only 5-10% of people diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer.
- Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer at any age.
- When breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%
While there are breast cancer risk factors that you can not change such as being born female, getting older and inheriting certain gene changes, etc. there are things you can do to may help lower your risk of breast cancer.
- Getting to and staying at a healthy weight. Both increased body weight and weight gain as an adult are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause.
- Be physically active. Studies have shown that moderate to vigorous physical activity is linked with lower breast caner risk. American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 150 – 300 minutes moderate intensity or 75-150 minutes vigorous intensity activity each week.
- Avoid or limit alcohol. Frequent consumption of alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.
