Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Educating & Empowering Women
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, and support those impacted by the disease. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, with 1 in 8 women likely to develop it in their lifetime. While this statistic can seem daunting, there are steps we can take to be proactive with our health and potentially lower our risk.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
While anyone can develop breast cancer, certain factors can increase your risk. Some are within your control, while others are not:
Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in women over 50.
Family History & Genetics: Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer are at higher risk. Inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Personal Health History: Women who have had breast cancer in one breast have a higher risk of developing cancer in the other breast. Also, conditions like atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) raise the risk.
Hormonal Factors: Early menstruation (before age 12) and late menopause (after age 55) expose women to hormones for longer periods, increasing risk. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause and long-term use of oral contraceptives have also been linked to higher risk.
Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of physical activity can contribute to breast cancer risk.
The Importance of Self-Breast Exams and Annual GYN Exams
One of the best ways to catch breast cancer early is through regular self-breast exams and annual gynecological (GYN) exams. Self-breast exams allow you to become familiar with the look and feel of your breasts, making it easier to notice any changes, like lumps, swelling, or skin dimpling, which should be checked by a healthcare provider. Meanwhile, annual GYN exams, which often include clinical breast exams and mammograms (depending on age and risk factors), are essential for early detection. Detecting breast cancer early dramatically improves the chances of successful treatment.
Natural Approaches to Lowering Breast Cancer Risk
While some risk factors for breast cancer, such as age or genetics, cannot be changed, there are natural ways to reduce your overall risk:
Diet: Focus on a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. A Mediterranean-style diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil, has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol and reducing sugar intake is also beneficial.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity and weight gain after menopause are significant risk factors for breast cancer. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce inflammation.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Exercise helps regulate hormones, reduce body fat, and lower the risk of breast cancer.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact your immune system and hormonal balance. Practices like meditation, acupuncture, and yoga can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
Limit Toxin Exposure: Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, such as BPA in plastics and parabens in cosmetics, as some environmental toxins have been linked to increased breast cancer risk.
The Role of Genetics in Breast Cancer
While most breast cancers are sporadic (meaning they occur without a strong family history), about 5-10% are hereditary. The most common genetic mutations linked to breast cancer are BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women with these mutations have a significantly higher lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing can help assess your risk and guide your preventive measures. It's important to discuss your family history and genetic risks with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
Take Control of Your Health
Empowering yourself with knowledge, taking proactive steps through self-breast exams, annual checkups, and making healthy lifestyle choices can significantly impact your health. Breast cancer awareness starts with awareness of your body and a commitment to nurturing your well-being naturally.
At Reformed Natural Therapeutics, we offer My Risk Hereditary Cancer Testing by Myriad Genetics for individuals with a family history of breast, uterine, ovarian, or other types of cancers. The test is typically covered by insurance if you fit the criteria! Call the clinic if you would like to learn more about it.