Breast Cancer Awareness is Important Throughout the Entire Year

By: Halle Coleman

As October comes to an end, that does not mean breast cancer awareness has to! National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of finding breast cancer early. About 41,760 women in the U.S. are expected to have a fatal case of breast cancer in 2020. With women under 45, breast cancer is more common in African-American women than white women. Overall, African-American women are more likely to pass away from breast cancer.

In 2020, an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S. About 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2020.

According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, breast cancer occurs in two broad categories: invasive and noninvasive. Invasive breast cancer cells break through normal breast tissue barriers and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymph nodes. Noninvasive breast cancer cells, on the other hand, remain in a particular location of the breast, without spreading to surrounding tissue, lobules, or ducts. Breast cancer is also classified based on where in the breast the disease started, how the disease grows, and other factors.

Breast cancer prevention starts with healthy habits. Research shows that lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of breast cancer in both men and women. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. The general recommendation — based on research on the effect of alcohol on breast cancer risk — is to limit yourself to less than one drink a day, as even small amounts increase risk. Evidence suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women.

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. Physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer. Most healthy adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week. Avoiding exposure to radiation and environmental pollution can also help prevent breast cancer. While more studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and cumulative exposure to radiation over your lifetime. Reducing exposure by having such tests only when absolutely necessary is crucial.

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. Doctors use a mammogram to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early. The x-ray images often make it possible to detect tumors that cannot be felt. Mammograms can also be used to check for breast cancer after a lump or other sign or symptom of the disease has been found.

Symptoms of breast tumors vary from person to person. Some common, early warning signs of breast cancer include: skin changes, such as swelling, redness, or other visible differences in one or both breasts, an increase in size or change in the shape of the breast(s), changes in the appearance of one or both nipples, nipple discharge other than breast milk, general pain in/on any part of the breast, lumps or nodes felt on or inside of the breasts. Symptoms more specific to invasive breast cancer are, irritated or itchy breasts, change in breast color, increase in breast size or shape (over a short period of time), changes in touch (may feel hard, tender or warm), peeling or flaking of the nipple skin, a breast lump or thickening, redness or pitting of the breast skin similar to the skin of an orange. Male breast cancer symptoms can be similar to those experienced by women and may include: lumps in the breast (usually painless), thickening of the breast, changes to the nipple or breast skin, such as dimpling, puckering or redness, and discharge of fluid from the nipples.

Raising awareness, making personal financial contributions, and helping fundraise on behalf of breast cancer research and support services are all great ways to get involved.

Besides donating money to fight breast cancer, people can find ways to help the cause, including hosting fundraisers, learning about breast health in order to pass along valuable information, and utilizing social media to educate family members, friends, and others.