October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Facing breast cancer is frightening for any woman who is confronted with the tragedy.  The realization that cancer may be a reality in their own body is difficult, but the fact that breasts are so often part of a woman’s self-image makes this type of cancer different from others.  It touches the essence of a woman, bringing up emotional as well as physical issues.

            October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  It’s the perfect time for women to focus on their breast health.  It’s widely known that women are the primary caretakers for their family’s health, but often neglect their own.  This month brings attention to breast cancer research and prevention in hopes that women will take time for their own health. 

            According to Scott Bergstedt, MD, obstetrician and gynecologist with OBG-1, the three keys to early detection of breast cancer are monthly breast self-exams, mammograms for women over 40, and clinical exams by a health care provider.  Experts agree that women need to combine these three tools faithfully to detect breast cancer.  Relying on only an annual exam or a mammogram could bring disastrous results.  “Experience has shown that each of these screening tools alone can miss breast cancer,” said Dr. Bergstedt.  “They need to be combined regularly in order to provide the best defense against breast cancer.”

            The American Cancer Society recommends that women exam their breasts each month after the age of 20.  They should do it three to five days after their period ends.  If post-menstrual, then choose a date and do it regularly on that date.  You will get to know the feel of your breasts.  “By doing this every month, you will know when something is different, or just doesn’t feel right,” explained Dr. Bergstedt.  “All breasts are ‘lumpy’. If you have a persistent feeling that something is wrong, it’s always good to check with your doctor.  It may be nothing.  It’s best to check anyway.”

            The second key in breast cancer prevention is a mammogram.  Experts recommend a baseline mammogram at age 35, and then yearly after 40 years old. Mammography uses special X-ray images to detect abnormal growths or changes in the breast tissue. It may also be performed on healthy, normal breasts to provide a baseline reference for later comparison. Mammography is a good defense against breast cancer because it can detect the disease in its early stages, before it can be felt during a breast examination. Research has clearly shown that mammography can increase breast cancer survival.

            Having a clinical breast exam every year after the age of 40 is the third key for early detection.  For women between 18 – 40, every three years is sufficient, although a breast exam is usually standard during a woman’s annual gynecological visit. 

            Putting these three tools together will give women a better advantage in detecting breast cancer, said Dr. Bertstedt.  “Physicians can miss lumps, mammograms don’t always detect abnormalities, and women can inadvertently neglect a suspicious area during a self-breast exam, but by doing all three, it strengthens the power of detection.”

            It’s also important to be aware or the risk factors for breast cancer.  However, only 5% to 10% of women with breast cancer have a clearly defined genetic pre-disposition for the disease.  Most cases are sporadic, with no direct history.

            The highest risks for breast cancer include:       

·        Increased age.  Seventy-seven percent of women with breast cancer are over 50 years old. 

·        Direct family history.  A mother, sister or daughter, a “first-degree” relative, with breast cancer doubles a woman’s risk.  Having two first-degree relatives increases the risk 5-fold. 

·        Delaying pregnancy.  Having a first child after the age of 30, or no children at all puts women at a higher risk.  This is due to the fact that ovulation was not interrupted. 

            Dr. Bergstedt pointed out that there are myths associated with breast cancer that women should ignore.  “Having fibrocystic breast changes, or caffeine intake are not related to getting breast cancer.”  Other common myths regarding the causes of breast cancer include:  antiperspirants, underwire bras, abortion or breast implants.  “Research has shown zero connection between these factors and getting breast cancer,” he said.

            The main things to implement are the three keys to detection:  monthly self-breast exams, mammograms (if you’re in the recommended age category) and clinical exams.  “In addition, a healthy lifestyle of exercise and good nutrition is important for all of us,” reminded Dr. Bergstedt. 

            For more information on breast cancer prevention, call OBG-1 at 1-866-312-OBG1.

Questions to Ask the Doctor After Diagnosis

If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is important to educate yourself on treatment options, survival rates and the various types of breast cancer.  The following questions may be helpful:

·        What kind of breast cancer do I have?

·        What has been done to exclude cancer in other areas of the same breast or in my other breast?

·        Have my slides been reviewed by more than one pathologist?

·        Can I have my biopsy reviewed by a pathologist at another diagnostic center?

·        What other studies should be done on my tissue biopsy?

·        How urgent is it that I make decisions and begin treatment?

·        Should my lymph nodes be removed?

·        Are there any other questions I should ask my doctor?