In early September, Senator Amy Klobuchar revealed that she had battled breast cancer earlier this year. She underwent testing, a lumpectomy, and radiation. At this point, her chances of cancer recurring are no greater than anyone else’s. However, that metric is not comforting.

According to breastcancer.org, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in American women. It accounts for about 30% of women’s newly diagnosed cancers in the United States. Our chances of getting breast cancer increase as we age.

This year, breast cancer also became the most common cancer worldwide. That is why this October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is more important than ever. As Sir Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is power.” The more we know about this devastating disease, the more we can protect ourselves and others.

Minimizing Breast Cancer Risk: Focusing on What We Can Control

While we cannot completely eliminate our risk for breast cancer, there are factors we can control.

The American Cancer Society recommends all women:

Get to and maintain a healthy weight.

The data on weight and breast cancer can be a bit confusing. Adult weight gain has been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause. However, studies show that overweight or obese women actually have a moderately lower risk before menopause. Still, Susan G. Komen and the American Cancer Society both recommend avoiding excess weight gain. Most breast cancers occur after menopause, and weight gain can carry over through these years.

Exercise regularly.

Consistent moderate to vigorous exercise is linked to reduced breast cancer risk. Moderate means your heart rate and breathing increase slightly. You can still talk, but you’d probably prefer not to. Vigorous exercise means your heart rate and breathing increase and you break out in a sweat. The American Cancer Society recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, 75-150 minutes of vigorous activity, or some combination of these.

Limit or avoid alcohol.

Even limited alcohol consumption is linked to increased breast cancer risk. Your best bet is complete abstinence. If you do choose to enjoy a drink occasionally, the American Cancer Society recommends one serving a day at most. This works out to be 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor.

Luckily, these practices all go hand-in-hand and are health-promoting in many other ways, too.

You may be at increased risk if you have a family history of breast cancer, a personal history of breast cancer, or a genetic mutation known to increase your risk. For those at increased risk, the American Cancer Society also recommends talking to your healthcare providers about the following options.

● Genetic testing and counseling
● Preventive surgery
● Medicines that can lower your risk
● Close monitoring for early signs

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Even if we are vigilant about our health, it is wise to know the symptoms to look for. Most of them involve changes in the breast, nipple, and armpit area. These changes can happen for other reasons as well. As always, if you notice any changes in your body that concern you, speak with your doctor as soon as possible. Don’t let Google M.D. drive you crazy!

While breast exams used to be highly recommended, research has not shown any clear benefit to clinical or self-breast exams. Most women discover breast, nipple, or armpit changes during their day-to-day activities like showering and dressing. Knowing your body and immediately reporting concerning changes are the keys.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note the following symptoms:

● New lumps
● Thickening or swelling
● Irritation, redness, dimpling, flaky skin
● Nipple pain or pulling in
● Pain
● Changes in breast shape or size

Remember that all breasts are different and change as we age, have children, and experience other life changes. There is no such thing as normal breasts. If you think a change you’re experiencing is not normal for you and your body, please consult a professional as soon as possible.

Screening for Breast Cancer

Keep in mind that some women never experience any symptoms. Screening exams can help people find dangerous cancers before symptoms even occur. The earlier the detection, the better the odds of preventing spreading throughout the body. Early detection and treatment are our best weapons against preventing breast cancer deaths.

Mammography guidelines vary depending on your risk guidelines. Please read them here and make a plan with your doctor based on your personal needs.

Breast Cancer Treatment Options

If breast cancer is detected, there’s usually some combination of these five treatment options:

● Hormone therapy
● Targeted therapies
● Radiation
● Chemotherapy
● Surgery

Some of these treatment options are local while others target the whole body. Of course, you would work with your doctors to decide which options are best for you.

We can feel helpless in the face of such a daunting disease. We have to try to focus on what we can control.

We can:

Take care of ourselves.
Spread awareness.
Support other women.

This information is powerful, but it can be overwhelming. Try to replace harmful habits with healthier ones a little at a time. Go easy on yourself.

Get screened. Tell your friends to get screened. Share this blog post. Let’s spread awareness, support each other, and maybe even save lives. Together.

❤️ GG

Sources:
National Breast Cancer Foundation | American Cancer Society | CDC | Susan G. Komen

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