After Breast Cancer Awareness Month is Over

As a breast surgeon, October is always a very busy month for me. It signifies Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It seems the whole world turns pink and everyone is on high alert trying to educate themselves about breast cancer. My office is flooded with calls and I can imagine every imaging center is busy with women trying to squeeze in those annual mammograms. 

 Personally, I love October because I usually have the opportunity to participate in any number of panels or talks about breast health and breast cancer awareness education. However, I challenge you to think beyond October. At any given moment at any point during the year, someone is being diagnosed with breast cancer. They are being forced to rearrange their lives and deal with a devastating diagnosis. As it relates to breast cancer, or any cancer for that matter, it is patronizing to relegate that woman (or man!) to a hashtag or a month. 

My personal goal as a surgeon is to educate year round, so I want to leave you with some breast cancer facts that you may not have known and tips that will help you any time of the year to protect your breast health. 

Breast Cancer Statistics

·     According to the Centers for Disease Control and American Cancer Society, in 2019, at least 268,600 people will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Another 50,000 people will be diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer.

·     Men account for 1% of diagnosed breast cancer cases (approximately 2,700 per year)

·     The rate of new cases of breast cancer is equal between White women and Black women. However, Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than their White counterparts. 

·     For the first time, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for Black Women in six states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina)

Breast Health Tips

·     It is okay to touch yourself! While breast self-examinations are no longer recommended by some due to unreliability, it is always a good idea to know what your body feels like so that you can easily recognize new changes. It is amazing how many women come to my office with masses that have been present for months and they didn’t know! 

·     Start your screening mammograms at the age of 40.If you have a genetic mutation in your family or a strong family history, you may have to start screening sooner. Get in touch with your physician to discuss a personalized screening schedule.

·     Know your breast density. It is mandated that mammogram reports inform a woman of her breast density. Increased breast density can increase the chance of mammograms missing suspicious masses. If you have dense breasts, request the 3-D mammogram and a breast ultrasound.

·     Maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk of developing cancer. Our fat cells are the largest storage space for estrogen and progesterone, the female hormones. After menopause, the fat cells become the primary source of estrogen. High levels of these female hormones increase your risk of developing breast cancer.

·     Sweat it out. It has been shown that 30 minutes of physical activity per day decreases the risk of developing breast cancer. So get active!

·     Minimize alcohol intake. Studies have shown that more than two drinks per day increase your risk of developing breast cancer. 

With Love,  

Disclaimer: This article is not a substitution for seeking medical attention!