Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Think pink: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here’s what you need to know.

The Story

This year, more than 260,000 women (and about 2,400 men) will be diagnosed with breast cancer. It is the second most common cancer among women in the US. And tens of thousands lose their lives to the disease each year. But the good news is that science is making strides: Early detection, improvements in treatment options, and increased awareness are helping more and more people beat the cancer. Now, the average five-year survival rate for women with breast cancer is 90%. And being proactive about your health is key.

So what can I do?

Early detection is critical. Experts recommend…

• Knowing your risk factors. Yes, that could be a family history of the disease or the breast cancer gene mutations (like BRCA 1 and BRCA 2). But, worth noting: The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. Risk factors could also be tied to your reproductive history (think: if you started your period earlier than 12, or menopause after 55). Or your lifestyle (think: low exercise, high alcohol consumption), according to Dr. Toma Omofoye in an interview with theSkimm. 

• Talking to your doc early. It’s a good idea to start having conversations about breast cancer as early as age 25, says Dr. Omofoye. Even though just 9% of all new breast cancer cases occur in women under 45 at the moment, “there is some concern that the overall age of breast cancer diagnosis is shifting younger and younger.” So your doctor can help you assess your personal risk and create a screening plan to follow as you go through life. Which is especially important if the disease runs in your family. Your doctor can also discuss ways to reduce your risk, like medicine or a mastectomy. 

• Sticking with annual mammograms. Ever been confused by conflicting mammogram guidelines? You’re not alone. Here’s the latest from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network: Women with an average risk should start annual mammograms at age 40. In addition to screening for cancer, mammograms can also identify lesser-known risk factors like having dense breasts. 

• Becoming familiar with your breasts. In one study, nearly 80% of younger women found their own breast cancer lumps. Meaning, don’t be shy in giving yourself self-exams. But don't rely solely on those. Clinical breast exams are also important — since the goal is to catch cancer even before there’s a lump or visual change. “Any change in your breasts that lasts longer than two weeks needs to be addressed as quickly as possible,” says Dr. Omofoye. And that goes for guys, too.