D
As always, the information and views in this blog, are my own and not affiliated with any institution
SUE - a breast cancer survivor |
|
Did you know different cancers have different risk factors? Or that having a risk factor or several, does not mean you will get the disease? Most women have one or more risk factors for getting breast cancer and the greatest risk factor is being female yet there are other women that have no risk factors other than being female and growing older and still get breast cancer. Smoking is a risk factor for cancers of the lung and several other organs and of course we all know that sun and tanning is an exposure for skin cancer. There are other risk factors that can't be changed like age, race and we look at genetic factors which in itself is only 5-10% of breast cancer cases related to hereditary (genetic defects). Also known is that women whose close blood relatives have breast cancer or ovarian cancer are at higher risk for breast cancer and also having had a personal history of breast cancer increases your risk of developing a new cancer and those women with denser breast tissue have a higher risk. There is also the increased risk for those that had radiation therapy to the chest area for treatment. There are lifestyle factors too that are looked at, including women who have not had children or who had their first child after age 30 slightly increasing the changes of having breast cancer as well as those that used oral contraceptives or hormone therapy after menopause. It is also known that breast feeding may slightly lower breast c ancer risk wherease alcohol consumption increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Physical activity and being overweight, rather goes hand in hand as far is increasing the risk of breast cancer especially after menopause. More controversial is diet and vitamin intake and the jury seems to be still out as their are conflicting studies in these areas and the ongoing talk of antiperspirants and levels of parabens that are used in the antiperspirant and other products which have a weak estrogen like property. We still hear rumors related to underwire bras and women who do not wear bras and at this point there is not scientific link that I am able to find related to breast cancer. The issue remains with chemicals in the environment and is always a hot topic that is readily debated as it relates to cancers. This aspect is continually debated and researched as well as those individuals that work night shift having and increased risk of developing breast cancer. All in all, we are still learning and current evidence continues to promote early detection, screening and education as the best tools out there and we are all aware that the early we can find and detect a breast cancer, the better the outcomes. I still endorse breast self exam and clinical exams and mammograms and that other interventional testing that is needed. Newer technologies are being reviewed and implemented as we are aware that even now our Women's Care has digital mammography in addition to other testing modalities. The bottom line is talk to your doctor about what is known and what tests are the best and decide as a team what is best for you. Breast Self Exam should be done monthly from your 20's on and that is after your period or if post menopausal pick a date and do it consistently each month on that date, clinical exams by a health professional every three years for 20 and 30 year olds and after 40, every year and then after 40, yearly mammograms.. Physician recommendations for mammogram for under 40 and related testing. It is important to note that only 2-4 screeening mammograms of every 1,000 lead to a diagnosis of cancer so Don't Panic and please get your testing done and take care of yourself. You check your oil and tires and put in gas so you can drive, take care of yourself as you would your car or anything you truly need and treasure. Having said all that, if you need help through this process, just let me know and I will help you through this in any manner possible and in the mean time... Make it a great day! Sue
D As always, the information and views in this blog, are my own and not affiliated with any institution
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
Categories |