Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed each October. Every year, more than 250,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer and 42,000 don’t survive. In Alaska, the Breast Cancer Detection Center (BCDC) is available for screening in many communities throughout the year using their mobile mammography service. The BCDC also has a full-time facility in Fairbanks.
While the risk of this type of cancer increases if a family member has had it, anyone is susceptible. Most breast cancers are found in women over the age of 50.
Lower Your Risk of Breast Cancer
There are many ways to reduce your risk of developing the disease. Eating a healthy diet of fruits and green and orange vegetables helps to reduce your risk. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can also help. Avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol to further lessen your risk.
It’s important to be aware of factors that may increase your risks, such as oral contraception and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Oral contraceptives taken for more than 5 years have shown to slightly increase the risk of developing the disease. In the early 2000s, HRT was added to the carcinogenic list by the American Cancer Society. It’s important to discuss such risks with your doctor, especially if you have a family history of the disease.
Monthly personal breast exams are recommended for early detection of possible lumps. See your doctor right away if you experience change in shape or size of a breast, pain in any area of the breast, nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood), or a new lump in the breast or underarm.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: “Breast Cancer FAQs” by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. | Photo
