Breast Cancer – The Risks and Preventive Measures
Cancer is a dangerous group of diseases caused but the abnormal growth of cells in the human body that continue to replicate, which if left untreated can cause death. In the United States alone, cancer is considered the second leading cause of death, heart disease being the top reason. Breast cancer affects around 1 in 8 women in the US, with over 300,000 women being estimated to be diagnosed this year, and although rare, a small percentage of males as well, with almost 3,000 being diagnosed. The good news is that if the disease is detected early, it has a 99% survival rate. This is why it is extremely important to take the necessary preventative measures. (NBCF Team, 2024)
The first step in prevention is to understand the risk factors and what may cause the disease to occur. The cause of the abnormal growth of once healthy cells is damage to the cell's DNA. The material known as DNA is found in almost all living organisms on the planet and is the carrier of genetic information in the human body. The DNA in cells can be damaged by environmental, lifestyle, or even genetic factors.
When it comes to genetic risk factors, if a loved one like a mother or sister was diagnosed with the condition, then the risk is a lot higher. To help in the reduction of the risk of getting cancer in the future, a person should do things like eating healthier, being more physically active, and do regular checkups, genetic testing and looking for signs on your body to detect any irregularities that may prompt speaking to a professional.
Lifestyle and environmental factors that can cause breast cancer can be avoided. Being overweight or obese greatens the risk factors, especially if the person has already gone through menopause. Those who partake in combined hormone replacement therapy for menopause may also see a higher risk. Frequently consuming alcohol, poor dieting and a lack of physical activity can also lead to an increased risk of getting breast cancer. By taking better precautions and making significant lifestyle changes for the better, the aforementioned risks can be avoided.
For the month of October 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI). This was done to raise awareness of the disease and help bring down the mortality rates. Through information, they wish to drive behavioral changes so that early screening as well as early diagnosis. The hope is that countries see the importance of improving early detection and comprehensive care and treatment, as well as supporting those with the disease. (World Health Organization, 2024)
For those searching for more comprehensive information and resources regarding Breast cancer, they can visit the web site by the Center for Disease Control to see their National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. They can also search the National Care Institute website to see more information on mammography that explains screenings. Links for the web sites are displayed below:
https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cervical-cancer-screening/
https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/mammograms-fact-sheet
References
NBCF Team. (2024, August 1). Breast Cancer Facts & Stats. Retrieved from National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts/
World Health Organization. (2024, October ). WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative: Breast cancer awareness month. Retrieved from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/10/01/default-calendar/who-global-breast-cancer-initiative--breast-cancer-awareness-month