October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! The goal is to shed some light on the importance of prevention and routine screening for an early breast cancer diagnosis. Although many organizations and healthcare providers have doubled down on efforts to raise awareness on this issue for the last nine decades, breast cancer is still the second most common cancer affecting women in the United States.

While there is no particular way to prevent breast cancer, there are several steps that women can take to reduce their risk of developing this disease. Read on to learn more about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors for breast cancer and the significance of early detection.

Signs of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast grow out of control, creating a mass of tissue commonly known as a tumor. The most frequent symptoms of breast cancer include the presence of lumps in the breast or underarms, swelling in a specific area of the breast, or experiencing pain in any area of the breast. It is important to know how your breasts normally look and feel, as the symptoms are not the same for all individuals. Other signs of breast cancer can include:

  • Thickening of all or part of the breast
  • Breast skin irritation
  • Clear or bloody nipple discharges
  • Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin

What Are the Risk Factors You Can’t Change?

The main risk factors that increase the chances of getting breast cancer include being a woman and the natural process of aging. The majority of breast cancers are detected in women 50 years or older. However, these are not the only inherent risk factors for breast cancer to consider. Some of them include:

Genetic Mutations

Women who have inherited specific mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 face a higher risk of developing not only breast cancer but also ovarian cancer.

Family History of Breast Cancer

Mutated genetics that could lead to cancer can pass among first-degree relatives. If a family member has been diagnosed with breast cancer on both sides of your family, you may be at a higher risk.

Some people wrongly track only women’s histories of breast cancer in their families. Breast cancer also affects men. Although rare, one out of every 100 diagnosed breast cancers in the US is found in men.

Reproductive History

Reproductive history is another factor that can impact breast cancer risk. Initiating menstruation at an early age (before 12) and experiencing menopause at a later age (after 55) expose women to hormones for a longer duration, increasing their susceptibility to breast cancer.

Personal Cancer History

A personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases can also contribute to an increased risk.

Women previously diagnosed with breast cancer are at higher risk of developing it again. Certain non-cancerous breast conditions, such as atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma, are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.

The Best Ways to Reduce Risks for Breast Cancer

There are many factors that can make you prone to developing breast cancer, and reducing those risks is simply out of your reach. However, there are other factors you can control, such as lifestyle changes and early detection, that may help you reduce the odds.

Here are other steps you can take and control to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. A healthy lifestyle also means that you start an exercise routine, keep a healthy weight, and limit alcohol consumption.

Know Your Family History

It is important to know your family history and discuss it with your doctor. Genetic testing and counseling can provide valuable insights into an individual’s inherited risk factors. People with a family history of breast cancer may need to start getting mammograms at an earlier age and may need to get them more frequently.

Get Screened Regularly

Regular screening is the best way to detect breast cancer early. Women in their 40s should start getting mammograms at least every two years. In some higher-risk cases, women may need to start getting mammograms at an earlier age and more frequently.

Breastfeed

Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Women who breastfeed for a longer period of time have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.

Consider Chemoprevention

Chemoprevention is the use of drugs to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Women who are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer may consider taking drugs such as tamoxifen or raloxifene to reduce their risk.

Understanding the significance of early detection can truly be a life-changing revelation. From increased treatment success rates to improved quality of life, early detection empowers individuals to take proactive steps toward better outcomes. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of regular screenings, awareness, and knowledge about potential risks.

You should feel comfortable talking with your healthcare provider about your personal health or any changes in your breasts. Remember, early detection and a timely diagnosis can save your life. At Prestige Medical Group, we offer preventive care and screening mammograms for people with high risks of breast cancer. If you are in North Georgia and need more information, contact us or call us at 706-692-9768 to schedule an appointment.