BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH:
A time for raising awareness. Knowledge is Power.
In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. At Skarlett Blue, we believe knowledge is power, and understanding the facts is key to prevention and support.
This month, we’ll be sharing important stats, insights, and resources to raise awareness and empower our community in the fight against breast cancer.
Most women (85 percent) who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of this disease, according to the American Cancer Society. However, having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer can double a woman’s risk, while having two first-degree relatives increases the risk about three-fold.
Knowing your family’s health history is crucial. Women with a family history of breast cancer or a genetic predisposition should consider additional screening methods, such as an MRI, alongside routine mammograms.
Early detection is key.
Detecting breast cancer early is one of the best ways to improve outcomes. When breast cancer is found in its localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. That’s why regular screenings and self-awareness are so important.
CHECK YOURSELF, PROTECT YOURSELF
3 Steps to Early Detection
STEP 1: Breast self-exam (BSE)
Performing a breast self-exam (BSE) monthly helps you become familiar with your body. This way, you can quickly recognize any changes and report them to your doctor.
STEP 2: Clinical breast exam (CBE)
The CBE is performed by a healthcare professional who is trained to recognize many different types of abnormalities and warning signs. This in-office exam is typically completed by your family physician or gynecologist at your annual exam.
STEP 3: Mammogram
A mammogram is an X-ray that allows a specialist to examine the breast tissue for any suspicious areas. Mammograms can often show a breast lump before it can be felt.
When and how often:
|
Test |
Age |
Frequency |
|
Breast self-exam (BSE) |
20 and over |
Monthly. Women should be told about benefits and limitations of BSE. They should report any new symptoms to their doctor. |
|
Clinical breast exam (CBE) |
20 – 39 40 and over |
Part of a periodic health exam, preferably every 3 years. Part of a periodic health exam, preferably every year. |
|
Mammogram |
40 and over |
Yearly, continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. |
*It’s important to understand that there is very little evidence that doing these exams routinely is helpful for women at average risk of breast cancer.
Source:
https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/3-steps-to-early-breast-cancer-detection
National Breast Cancer Foundation
KNOW THE SIGNS
Breast cancer symptoms can vary, and some women may not experience symptoms at all. Be mindful of these warning signs:
- Lump or swelling: A new lump or area of thickened tissue in the breast or underarm
- Skin changes: Dimpling, redness, or flaky skin in the breast or nipple area
- Nipple changes: Nipple retraction, discharge other than breast milk, or a rash on the nipple
- Breast changes: A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- Pain: Pain in the breast or armpit that doesn't go away
Other symptoms include:
- Peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking of the skin on the breast
- Breast skin that looks darker than the other skin on the chest
Note: Breast pain that comes and goes is usually not a symptom of breast cancer.
Source: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-symptoms-and-signs/
PREVENTION IS KEY
Steps all women can take
There are several things all women can do to lower the risk of developing breast cancer.
Maintain a healthy weight
Both increased body weight and weight gain as an adult are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause. The American Cancer Society recommends you stay at a healthy weight throughout your life and avoid excess weight gain by balancing your food intake with physical activity.
Stay physically active
Many studies have shown that regular physical activity is linked with lower breast cancer risk. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week (or a combination of these), preferably spread throughout the week. Getting to or exceeding the upper limit of 300 minutes is ideal.
Limit alcohol intake
Alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. Even small amounts of alcohol can increase breast cancer risk. For women who choose to drink, it’s best to limit it to one drink per day. A drink is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (hard liquor).
Consider other protective factors
Breastfeeding for several months can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. If you’re considering hormone therapy after menopause, talk to your healthcare provider about non-hormonal options, as hormone therapy may increase your risk.
Source: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/can-i-lower-my-risk.html
METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY
October 13 is nationally recognized in the U.S. as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage 4 or advanced breast cancer, occurs when cancer that starts in the breast spreads to other parts of the body. While 6 to 10 percent of women are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer from the start, nearly 30 percent of women initially diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer may eventually see their disease metastasize.
In the U.S. today, an estimated 200,000 women live with metastatic breast cancer, also called stage 4 breast cancer or advanced breast cancer. In addition, one in three breast cancer survivors will be diagnosed with a recurrence (cancer that has come back after a diagnosis and treatment), which can present itself in other organs of the body and be metastatic. Alarmingly, in recent years, there has been a rise in metastatic breast cancer diagnoses in young women.
Though advances in treatment have made it possible for metastatic breast cancer to be managed, it remains incurable. Despite its severity, research focused specifically on metastatic breast cancer represents only a small percentage of overall breast cancer research. We recognize the need for more attention and funding to support those living with this stage of the disease.
Source:
https://www.bcrf.org/blog/metastatic-breast-cancer-symptoms-treatment/
We remember, during this month especially, Adrienne Villa, Tina Schuster Parsio, Danielle Gatti Moro.