October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
10/10/2013
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Awareness, Prevention, Detection
October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies. These organizations work together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services. Since the Breast Cancer Awareness Month inception more than 25 years ago, NBCAM has been at the forefront of promoting awareness. Who Is At Risk of Breast Cancer A new report from the American Cancer Society found that death rates from breast cancer in the United States have dropped 34% since 1990. However, the rate at which new breast cancers are diagnosed increased slightly among African American women from 2006 to 2010. This increase brings their rates closer to those of white women. White women still have the highest diagnosis rates among women ages 40 and older. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, after skin cancer. It accounts for nearly 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed in women. By the end of 2013, an estimated 232,340 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. An estimated 39,620 women will die from breast cancer. The risks generally increase with age. Almost 8 of every 10 new breast cancer cases are in women 50 years old and older. They also account for almost 9 of every 10 breast cancer deaths. Prevention and Early Detection: What can women do to try to prevent breast cancer? The following are tips from the American Cancer Society:- Maintain a Healthy Weight Obesity and excess weight can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends women to maintain a healthy weight throughout their life. Losing even a small amount of weight has health benefits. It is a good place to start.
- Exercise Regularly Evidence suggests that women who get regular physical activity have a 10%-20% lower risk of breast cancer compared to those don't exercise. Doing even a little physical activity beyond your regular daily routine can have many health benefits.
- Limit Alcoholic Drinks Many studies have confirmed that drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer in women by about 7% to 12% for each serving per day. The American Cancer Society recommends women limit themselves to no more than 1 drink per day.
- Don't Smoke - Quit Smoking A recent study by American Cancer Society found that current smokers had a 12% higher risk of breast cancer than women who never smoked. Research also suggests the risk may be greater for women who begin smoking before they give birth to their first child.
- Get Your Clinical Breast Exams & Mammograms Regularly To find breast cancer early, when treatments are more likely to be successful, the American Cancer Society recommends women 40 and older have a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year, and younger women have clinical breast exams periodically as well (preferably at least every 3 years).