Support the Fighters, Admiring the Survivors, Honoring the Taken

As you may or may not know "Breast cancer awareness month" (BCAM) is October 1-31. It is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. 

Researchers do not know what causes breast cancer, although they know that certain risk factors may put you at higher risk of developing it. A person's age, genetics factors, personal health history, and diet all contribute to breast cancer risk. Breast cancer ranks second as a cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer). Female gender is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. Men can develop breast cancer, but the risk for females is about 100 times greater. Today, about 1 in 8 women (12%) will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. The risk for developing breast cancer increases as a woman ages.

In its early stages, breast cancer usually has no symptoms. As a tumor develops, you may note the following signs:

• A lump in the breast or underarm that persists after your menstrual cycle. This is often the first apparent symptom of breast cancer. Lumps associated with breast cancer are usually painless, although some may cause a prickly sensation. Lumps are usually visible on a mammogram long before they can be seen or felt.
• Swelling in the armpit.
• Pain or tenderness in the breast. Although lumps are usually painless, pain or tenderness can be a sign of breast cancer.
• A noticeable flattening or indentation on the breast, which may indicate a tumor that cannot be seen or felt.
• Any change in the size, contour, texture, or temperature of the breast. A reddish, pitted surface like the skin of an orange could be a sign of advanced breast cancer.
• A change in the nipple, such as a nipple retraction, dimpling, itching, a burning sensation, or ulceration. A scaly rash of the nipple is symptomatic of Paget's disease, which may be associated with an underlying breast cancer.
• Unusual discharge from the nipple that may be clear, bloody, or another color. It's usually caused by benign conditions but could be due to cancer in some cases.
• A marble-like area under the skin.
• An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.

Although overall incidence is highest for Caucasian women, African Americans have the highest mortality rate from breast cancer. Caucasian women have the second highest mortality rate, followed by Asian, Hispanic, and Native-American women.

For women at average risk, the emphasis is on regular screening and healthy lifestyle choices (e.g., low-fat diet, regular exercise, breastfeeding). Women at increased risk for breast cancer are advised to consider additional risk reduction strategies in consultation with their health care providers.

• Physical activity: Regular physical exercise has been shown to provide some protection against breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. The reduction in risk for physically active women compared with women who are least active may be as much as 25%.

• Diet: A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruit, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy products has been associated with a lower risk of breast cancer in some studies. There is also some evidence that soy-rich diets may reduce risk. Overall, however, the influence of dietary factors on breast cancer risk remains inconclusive. 

• Breastfeeding: The risk reducing effect of breastfeeding has been shown in multiple studies, especially if the breast-feeding lasts 1½ to 2 years. For every year of breastfeeding, the reduction in relative risk has been estimated at approximately 4%.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) advocates for annual screening mammography, beginning at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. Clinical breast examination every three years is recommended for women in their 20s and 30s, and annually for women aged 40 and older. Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women who choose to do BSE should receive instruction from their health providers. Women at increased risk for breast cancer may benefit from earlier initiation of screening, screening at shorter intervals, and screening with additional methods such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.

Public support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped improve the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths has been declining, thanks to a number of factors such as earlier detection, new treatments and a better understanding of the disease.