Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, with an estimated 12 percent developing invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 246,000 women will be diagnosed with new cases of invasive breast cancer this year. Several risk factors of the disease are beyond control, but there are some lifestyle changes that can be made to help reduce risk of developing the disease. Additionally, understanding early detection methods and when to get screened can be critical in the survival rates of women who are diagnosed.
Women have a much higher likelihood of being diagnosed with breast cancer than men, however men can develop the disease too. White women are the most likely to develop breast cancer, yet African-American women who develop it have higher mortality rates. Age is another contributing risk factor of the disease, with most invasive breast cancers detected in women 55 and older. A small percentage of breast cancer cases are considered hereditary and result when certain gene mutations are present, which greatly increase the risk of diagnosis. Genetic testing can be done in some cases to identify whether or not the mutated genes are present. These are just some of the uncontrollable risk factors of developing the disease.
Some breast cancer risk factors are linked to lifestyle behaviors that can be changed. Drinking more than one alcoholic beverage per day has been shown to increase the risk by almost double. Being overweight, especially after menopause, raises estrogen levels and can also increase risk. Additionally, more evidence is showing that exercising regularly can help to lower risk.
While there is very little known to directly prevent breast cancer, most doctors feel that early detection and regular screenings are the best way to help increase survival rates. Some symptoms of breast cancer are easy to detect, while others may only be found during screenings. You should contact your physician immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Discharge from nipples, especially blood and/or puss;
- A new lump, particularly if it is painful and doesn’t leave after a menstrual cycle;
- Unceasing breast pain;
- Breast infection, which include centralized redness, puss or fever;
- Nipple changes such as pulling inward, enlargement or itching;
- An asymmetrical breast;
- Skin changes on breast or swelling; and/or
- Lump in the underarm
In general, starting at age 45 women of average risk of developing breast cancer should get mammograms every year until they reach 55. After age 55, women should switch to mammograms every 2 years, unless instructed differently by their doctor. Mammograms are the most common tests of breast cancer, but there are other tools that can be used depending on a woman’s medical history. It is important for women to begin discussing risk factors with their doctor early on so the best screening and testing plan can be developed.
*All data provided by the American Cancer Society.
For more information about scheduling a screening test, please call any of our locations listed below:
- Three Rivers Immediate Care – Louisa 606 638-7400
306 Commerce Drive, Suite 700
Louisa, KY 41230
- Three Rivers Immediate Care – Inez 606 298-2660
94 Boardwalk
Inez, KY 41224
- Three Rivers Immediate Care – Crum 304 393-6901
47460 US Route 52
Kermit, WV 25674
- Three Rivers Medical Center – Louisa 606 638-9451
2485 Hwy 644
Louisa, KY 41230
