You may have heard this key breast cancer stat: About one in eight women will develop the disease in her lifetime. It sounds like a lot, right? Fortunately there’s another number that’s more encouraging: About 2.5 million women living now have survived the disease.
In fact, fewer U.S. women develop and die from breast cancer as each year goes by. The improvement is likely due to increased screening and advances in treatment.
Let’s take a look at the basics of breast cancer and some other notable numbers:
Calculating your risk
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow out of control. The most common type of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma, begins in the ducts through which milk flows. Cancer can also develop in the glands that produce milk. Eventually, malignant cells may spread through your breast and to other parts of your body.
Doctors don’t always know why one woman develops breast cancer and another doesn’t. However, they do know certain factors increase your risk of developing the disease. Some, such as drinking alcohol, can be changed. Other numbers that raise your risk aren’t as easily altered, including:
• Being age 55 or older
• Having changes in the cancer-related genes BRCA1 or BRCA2
• Getting your first period before age 12
• Having one or more family members with breast cancer
• Not having children by age 30
Adding Up Your Screening and Treatment Options
Cancer stages are numbered from zero to four, with higher numbers indication more advanced disease. Finding cancer early, at stage zero or one, improves chances that treatment will work.
Some expert groups recommend getting yearly mammograms beginning at age 40, whereas others advise starting at age 50. It’s best to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors. Together, you can choose a screening schedule that’s right for you.
If you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, treatment depends on the site and stage of your cancer. Your options include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Your doctor may recommend combining two or more types of treatment.
Improving Your Odds
Despite recent gains, breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women besides skin cancer. It’s also the second leading cause of cancer death. Sticking to these numbers may reduce your risk:
• Drinking less than 1 alcoholic beverage per day
• Exercising 4 or more hours a week
• Maintaining a healthy weight for your height, especially after menopause
Good Neighbor Pharmacy, October 2012
Share with Friend
