Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. While it can be a frightening topic to think about, understanding the risk factors and knowing when to get screened are crucial steps for early detection and treatment. The good news is that breast cancer, when caught early, is highly treatable. By staying informed and proactive about your breast health, you can significantly reduce your risk and improve your chances of a positive outcome.
Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Risk factors for breast cancer can be classified into two categories: modifiable and non- modifiable. While some risk factors, like genetics, cannot be changed, others, such as lifestyle choices, can be adjusted to reduce your overall risk.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
- The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Most cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 50.
- Having a close relative, such as a mother, sister, or daughter, who has had breast cancer increases your risk.
- Genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are known to significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
- If you’ve had breast cancer in one breast, you have a higher risk of developing it in the other breast.
- Starting your period before age 12 or entering menopause after age 55 exposes your body to more hormonal changes, slightly increasing your risk.
- Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer and may require additional screening methods.
- If you received radiation therapy to your chest area as a child or young adult, your risk of developing breast cancer later in life is higher.
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Lifestyle and Diet: Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause, is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
- Physical Inactivity: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk by maintaining a healthy weight and hormone balance.
- Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol is associated with an increased risk. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Using HRT for more than 5 years increases breast cancer risk. Talk to your doctor about alternative ways to manage menopause symptoms.
- Smoking: Smoking, especially before the first pregnancy, is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.
When to Get Screened: Guidelines for Early Detection
The key to catching breast cancer early is regular screening. Here’s what you need to know about the most common screening methods and when to start:
- Breast Self-Exams
Starting in your 20s, it’s recommended to perform monthly breast self-exams to become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. While self-exams alone aren’t enough to detect cancer, they can help you identify changes such as lumps, dimpling, or skin changes, which should be reported to a healthcare provider. - Clinical Breast Exams
Your healthcare provider should perform a clinical breast exam every 1 to 3 years if you’re in your 20s and 30s, and annually after the age of 40. This involves a thorough physical examination of your breasts and surrounding areas to check for abnormalities. - Mammograms
Ages 40 to 44: Women have the option to start annual mammograms if they choose, depending on their personal risk factors.
Ages 45 to 54: Annual mammograms are recommended for all women.
Ages 55 and Older: Switch to mammograms every two years or continue annuallydepending on your preferences and health history.Mammograms are the gold standard for breast cancer screening and can detect tumors long before they can be felt. If you have dense breast tissue, additional imaging methods like ultrasound or MRI may be recommended. - MRI Screening
Women at high risk due to family history, genetics, or other factors may need MRIscreening in addition to mammograms. Consult your doctor if you fall into this category to create a screening plan that’s right for you.
When to Consider Genetic Testing If you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, you may want to consider genetic testing for mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. This testing can help determine your risk level and guide decisions about increased screening or preventive measures, such as medication or even prophylactic surgery.
Be Proactive About Your Breast Health
Breast cancer can affect anyone but being informed and proactive can make a big difference. Know your risk factors, stay vigilant with screenings, and make healthy lifestyle choices to lower your risk. If you’re unsure about when to start screening or need personalized advice, talk to your healthcare provider about the best plan for you. Remember, early detection saves lives, and it’s never too early to take control of your breast health. Make screening a priority and encourage your loved ones to do the same. A healthy lifestyle combined with regular screening is the best strategy for preventing breast cancer and catching it early if it does develop.
Resources to get screened:
Dr. Myra Finn Wedmid, AMI Wall Township
Dr. Sunita Nankoo, AMI Wall Township
Dr. Nancy Ibrahim AMI Wall Township