Cancer, regardless of what kind it is, has touched each of us in some way — either directly or indirectly.
What stands to be found in each situation is the need for more awareness of signs and symptoms of this dreadful disease. October is chosen for many observances, but it is most commonly known for observing Breast Cancer Awareness.
Breast cancer is so prevalent, it now seems to be known as a condition that is a common occurrence.
In fact, in 2019 an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S., as well as 62,930 new cases of noninvasive breast cancer. This year, an estimated 41,760 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.
Although rare, men get breast cancer, too. The lifetime risk for U.S. men is about one in 1,000. An estimated 2,670 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S., and approximately 500 will die.
Here are a few facts, some of which may be surprising:
• A family history of breast cancer is considered a risk factor, so if a woman’s mother, sister, aunt or grandmother has had it, she should be more careful about looking for it.
Having this risk factor, however, does not mean that you will get breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, “Only 20 to 30% of women with breast cancer have a family member with this disease.” This means that seven or eight out of every 10 women who have breast cancer are not related to someone who has had it.
• As a woman ages, her risk of developing breast cancer increases. “Nearly eight out of 10 breast cancers occur in women over age 50,” said the American Cancer Society. The risk for a woman over age 70 developing the disease in the next year is almost double that of a 50-year-old.
• Some risk factors are out of your control, but there are some changes you can make to lower your risk of breast cancer, including maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise and avoiding or limiting alcohol intake. Not using hormone therapy after menopause may also help lower your risk.
Regardless of risk factors, early detection is important.
All women, starting in their 20s, should perform a monthly breast self-exam to help detect changes in the tissue of the breast that may indicate cancer. For instructions on a thorough method for self-examination, a woman can ask her doctor or go to the American Cancer Society’s website at Cancer.org. Any changes should be reported promptly to your physician.
Also, for younger women age 20 to 39, a breast exam should be done every three years as part of the well-woman medical check-up. For women 40 years old and older, this exam by a doctor or nurse should be completed at least annually.
After age 40, women should also have a yearly mammogram. “These should continue for as long as they are in good health,” recommends the American Cancer Society.
If a tumor is detected when it is just under an inch in size, there is a 94% five-year survival rate. For a tumor larger than 2 inches, the rate goes down to 66%.
The good news is there are more than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
Breast cancer doesn't have to be fatal, and early detection can mean avoiding an extremely difficult medical situation.
For more information call your local county Extension office at 453-6803.
• Jennifer Russell is the county coordinator and a child and family development Extension agent for the Washington County MSU Extension Service Office in Greenville. You may contact her at 662-334-2669 or jtb20@msstate.edu.
