Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This October, we join millions of people around the world in recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month by raising awareness, spreading knowledge, and focusing on the critical importance of early detection and prevention. The average woman in the US has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime, making it a disease that may have already affected you personally or someone you know. The more information we have on our side, the more empowered we are to take charge of our own health. In this blog, we will discuss the importance not only of knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer but also about the latest advancements in prevention and detection.

Education is Key

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, but that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. Knowledge is power, and the more we learn about breast cancer—its risk factors, signs, and the latest breakthroughs—the better equipped we are to fight it.

Early detection and regular screenings can make all the difference. In fact, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 99% when caught early, which emphasizes how critical it is to understand the signs and take action.

Regular Checkups: Your Best Defense

One of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer early is through regular screenings and checkups. Mammograms remain the gold standard for breast cancer detection, but there are additional tools that can be considered, like breast ultrasound and MRI, especially for women at higher risk. Though the option to start receiving yearly mammograms opens up at age 40, the current recommendation is a yearly mammogram for women ages 45 – 55, dropping to once every other year for ages 55 and up . However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, it’s important to discuss with your doctor the best time to start screening and how often you should get checked.

In addition to formal screenings, self-breast exams can also play a role in detecting unusual changes. While self-exams shouldn’t replace clinical checkups, they can help you familiarize yourself with how your breasts typically feel and alert you to any changes that may require attention.

Know the Signs: What to Watch For

Breast cancer can present in various ways, and sometimes, there are no symptoms at all in the early stages and so screenings remain your most important tool However, there are some warning signs that should prompt a visit to your doctor if present:

  • Lumps in the breast or underarm (even if they are painless)
  • Changes in the size or shape of the breast
  • Skin dimpling or a change in texture (sometimes described as looking like orange peel)
  • Unexplained pain or tenderness in the breast
  • Nipple discharge that isn’t breast milk or bloody

It’s important to note that these symptoms can be caused by many things that are not cancerous, but it’s important to get these symptoms checked out.

Advancements in Breast Cancer Prevention and Detection

The good news is, in the past decade, we’ve seen incredible advancements in both breast cancer detection and prevention. Some of the most exciting developments include:

1. Genetic Testing and Risk Assessment: Advances in genetic testing, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene tests, allow individuals to better understand their genetic predisposition to breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing can help identify whether you’re at higher risk and guide personalized prevention strategies.

2. 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis): This newer form of mammogram technology provides more detailed images of the breast tissue, which can help detect cancers earlier, especially in women with dense breast tissue. Studies have shown that 3D mammograms can reduce the rate of false positives and provide more accurate results.

3. Breast Cancer Vaccines: While still in clinical trials, vaccines are being developed to help prevent breast cancer or treat it more effectively once diagnosed. Simply put, these vaccines target specific cancer markers, boosting the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

4. Improved Treatments: On the treatment front, new therapies are emerging all the time. From targeted therapies that focus on specific cancer markers to immunotherapies that train the immune system to attack cancer, options are becoming more personalized and effective, improving outcomes and quality of life for many patients.

Take Action This Month

This October, I encourage you to make a commitment to your health. Schedule that mammogram if it’s due. Do a self-breast exam and be aware of any changes. Talk to your doctor about your family history and the best screening plan for you. Share this information with the women in your life, because awareness and action save lives.

Let’s make this Breast Cancer Awareness Month not just about raising awareness, but also about empowering ourselves with the knowledge and tools to fight this disease.

Remember, early detection is the key to better outcomes. Stay proactive and stay healthy!

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