Independent Health Wellness Tip — October 2016 ©2016 Independent Health Association, Inc. IH23079 Helping to raise awareness about breast cancer October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. Progress has been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, but more needs to be done. Here are some risk factors for breast cancer that you should be aware of: • Family history. Having a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer increases your likelihood of developing the disease by two to three times. Researchers have identified two genes responsible for some cases of hereditary breast cancer: BRCA 1 and BRCA 2. Although about 1 in 200 women carry the genes, having one of them does not guarantee you will develop breast cancer. • Age and ethnicity. Women over 50 are more likely to develop breast cancer. African-Americans are more likely to get breast cancer before menopause. • Exposure to estrogen. Early onset of menstruation, before age 12, and ending menstruation after age 55 may increase risk. Some studies suggest that taking hormone replacement therapy may also increase your risk, especially if taken for more than five years. • Obesity. Although the link between diet and breast cancer is questionable, women who maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly are less likely to develop breast cancer. • Alcohol intake. Regular drinking of alcoholic beverages, particularly more than one drink per day, may promote breast cancer development. Besides knowing your risks for breast cancer, it’s important to get regular preventive screenings. Mammography is currently the most effective method to detect breast cancer, along with regular breast exams by your health care provider. The following are preventive screening guidelines for women: • Beginning at age 20, have a clinical breast exam every three years, and every year after turning 40. • Before turning 40, discuss having mammograms with your doctor. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend having a mammogram every year starting at age 40. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that most women begin mammography screening at age 50, and then every 2 years until age 74. The good news is that breast cancer is survivable if found and treated early. Speak with your doctor if you notice any changes in the breast or underarm areas. Don’t delay getting screened, and spread the word to your family and friends about the importance of breast cancer screening.

Helping to raise awareness about breast cancer · 2017-02-17 · Helping to raise awareness about breast cancer October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is

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Page 1: Helping to raise awareness about breast cancer · 2017-02-17 · Helping to raise awareness about breast cancer October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is

Independent Health Wellness Tip — October 2016

Helping to raise awareness about breast cancerOctober is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one ofthe most common forms of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 U.S. women willdevelop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.

Progress has been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, but moreneeds to be done. Here are some risk factors for breast cancer that you shouldbe aware of:

• Family history. Having a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancerincreases your likelihood of developing the disease by two to three times.Researchers have identified two genes responsible for some cases ofhereditary breast cancer: BRCA 1 and BRCA 2. Although about 1 in 200women carry the genes, having one of them does not guarantee you willdevelop breast cancer.

• Age and ethnicity.Women over 50 are more likely to develop breast cancer.African-Americans are more likely to get breast cancer before menopause.

• Exposure to estrogen. Early onset of menstruation, before age 12, andending menstruation after age 55 may increase risk. Some studies suggestthat taking hormone replacement therapy may also increase your risk,especially if taken for more than five years.

• Obesity. Although the link between diet and breast cancer is questionable,women who maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly are less likely to develop breast cancer.

• Alcohol intake. Regular drinking of alcoholic beverages, particularly morethan one drink per day, may promote breast cancer development.

Besides knowing your risks for breast cancer, it’s important to get regularpreventive screenings. Mammography is currently the most effective method to detect breast cancer, along with regular breast exams by your health careprovider. The following are preventive screening guidelines for women:

• Beginning at age 20, have a clinical breast exam every three years, and every year after turning 40.

• Before turning 40, discuss having mammograms with your doctor. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend having amammogram every year starting at age 40. The U.S. Preventive Services TaskForce recommends that most women begin mammography screening at age50, and then every 2 years until age 74.

The good news is that breast cancer is survivable if found and treated early.Speak with your doctor if you notice any changes in the breast or underarmareas. Don’t delay getting screened, and spread the word to your family andfriends about the importance of breast cancer screening.