Have you checked yourself lately?

October is a busy month for Breast Cancer Awareness. Whether you are in the store, watching TV, watching professional sports or college sports, or reading the newspaper, there is something PINK in the midst of it all. It is awesome that something as simple as a color can bring a reminder to each and every one of us. PINK= Breast Cancer.
I know that most of us have a sister, mother, aunt, friend, wife, or yourself, that has been touched by breast cancer. The facts are astounding and the message is HOPE.
An estimated 182,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to occur in the U.S. this year, according to ACS. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. The second leading cause of death among women, (lung cancer is first), and breast cancer is also the most common. Fortunately, breast cancer deaths have been decreasing since 1990 as detection and treatment improve, reducing the mortality rate to 3 in 100.
Early detection and treatment are keys to breast cancer survival. When breast cancer has not strayed outside the breast, the five year survival rate is close to 100%! Mammography is the most reliable way to detect breast cancer. Now, most women are diagnosed at early stages. Still, 25% of breast cancers are detected through a breast exam, about 35% by mammography and 40% through a combination of exam and mammography. Performing routine breast self-exams is still essential.
Here are some ways to check for possible signs of breast cancer. The 3 most common symptoms are: 1. changes in the look or feel of the breast. 2. Changes in the look or feel of the nipple. 3. Nipple discharge. Lumps do no necessarily mean you have cancer; most are benign. Changes to the skin include redness, darkening, puckering (a pulling that causes an indentation), or dimpling. An inverted nipple – one that pulls inward-may be another sign. Nipples may also become itchy, scaly, sore, or have a rash or discharge.
In addition to mammograms, other imaging options include stereotactic imaging, ultrasound, PET scans. None of these are standard screening methods, and some are still experimental.
Many factors are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. One of the most important factors is aging. The older you get, the greater the risk. At age 20 your risk is just 1 in 1,985. But at age 70, your risk increases to 1 in 24. If you live to 85 years old, your odds increase to 1 in 8. The lifetime risk of breast cancer is 8%, or 1 in 12.
About 5%-10% of breast cancers are due to inherited genetic mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2. People with these mutations have a 40%-80% risk of contracting breast cancer and a high risk of ovarian cancer. Other factors that increase risk are:
-First period before age 12; menopause after 55; excess weight after menopause
-first child after age 30; no children’ taking birth control pills for 5 years or longer
-drinking more than one alcoholic drink per day.
Diet and exercise make a difference. Weight gain after age 18 and after menopause is a risk factor. In turn, losing that added weight may decrease your chances of getting breast cancer. Diet combined with exercise can be important for managing your risk. Physical activity also helps maintain a healthy immune system.
HRT or hormone replacement therapy can raise breast cancer risk. Lifetime exposure to estrogen provides a constant stimulus to breast cells. Early onset of puberty, late onset of menopause and having children after age 30-all events associated with increased estrogen production are risk factors. This does not prove, however, that estrogen causes breast cancer.
What is the biggest risk?? BEING A WOMAN. Although a small percentage of men develop breast cancer too. With better screening processes for early detection, breast cancer doesn’t have to be fatal.
So, with all of this said, be a friend and an advocate for yourself and others. Practice your self breast exams and get your yearly mammograms. If you find or see something unusual with your breasts, contact your physician. It could save your life.

- Dana McGuirk, RN
Breast Nurse Navigator