Pull out your pink ribbons, pink socks, and pink coffee mugs because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Breast cancer is the most common cancer to occur in women and it can also occur in men. Studies show that 1 out of every 8 women in the United States will have or has had breast cancer.
Breast cancer is an abnormal growth in the breast tissue. This growth is malignant, or cancerous, and the cells within the breast tissue are growing and functioning abnormally. Early detection is key because these abnormal, cancerous cells have the potential to spread throughout the body or metastasize.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Many women will not have warning signs until the day they find ‘the lump’. This lump is the most common symptom; a thicker than normal area near the armpit or within the breast tissue. The size and shape of the breast may change. Plus, the skin color or texture of the breast may change as a result of abnormal cell activity.
The nipple also shows subtle changes. Fluid leaking from the nipple, a change in its shape and size, even a change in the color and texture of the areola might indicate a problem.
Early Detection
If you discover a lump in your breast or any breast abnormality remember that early detection leads to better treatment options and a higher survival rate. Call your primary health provider as soon as possible and schedule a mammogram. Your doctor may see you before the mammogram for a manual exam.
If you have never had a mammogram before here are a few tips:
Schedule your mammogram within 14 days of the beginning of your menstrual cycle.
Do not wear skin lotion or deodorant, (the aluminum in these products interferes with the results).
Wear a comfortable, 2 piece outfit as you will be changing from the waist up.
Bring results of any recent breast exams or surgeries, (including PETs, CATs, MRIs, and any other imaging exams).
The American Cancer Society recommends women over 40 have a mammogram every year.
Don’t “Myth-Understand”
Breast cancer has primarily been considered a women’s disease. For many years it was not the focus of cancer research on a national level. A certain amount of myth has developed around the disease that doctors and other professionals are hoping to eradicate.
You may have heard that you will not get breast cancer if it does not run in your family. This could not be further from the truth. Family and genetics do increase your risk, but they do not tell the whole story. Eighty (80) percent of women with breast cancer do not have any risk factors that can be identified.
Have you found a lump in your breast but are convinced it is not cancerous because you have no pain? This is a huge problem that keeps many women from having their breast cancer detected early and receiving proper treatment. The early stages of breast cancer can be completely pain free.
A Healthy and Active Lifestyle
There are no known preventatives or cures for breast cancer but research is ongoing in the fight to save lives even as you read this. One of the more interesting areas of study is the investigation into lifestyle choices and breast cancer. Eating right and keeping fit can keep your body healthy, fight exhaustion and anemia, boost up your immune system, and improve your chances for a successful cure.
In fact, exercise can play an important role in preventing cancer or limiting its impact on your life. For example, regular exercise lowers body fat which leads to a reduced chance of breast cancer. Men and women who exercise regularly develop tighter abdomen muscles which lead to regularity. This regularity is key to maintaining a healthy digestive system and that can reduce the chances of developing colon cancer.
Even if cancer were to develop, exercise can help the body fight the disease. A fit body has more energy and a better immune system. Exercise is crucial for improving oxygen intake and usage and promoting healthy cell development. Regular exercise combined with healthy diet choices gives the body even more power to fight cancer.
Several foods have been found to feed cancer and to help flush cancerous cells from the body. Cancer cells like sugars. However, fresh ground flax seed contains an amazing product called lignan. Lignan seems to aid in removing excess estrogen from the body and acts as an inhibitor to cancer cell growth.
The most recent issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, September, 2009, published the results of a groundbreaking study that will hopefully have many people rethinking their lifestyle choices. In a large study it was found that the lifestyle choices a person makes can greatly affect the chances of breast cancer returning for a second time.
A person who is considered obese has a 50 percent higher chance of developing breast cancer for a second time when compared to a person of a healthy weight. Women who smoke cigarettes will develop breast cancer for a second time at 2 times the normal rate and women who drink excessively have a 70 percent higher chance of the disease reoccurring.
Where to Go for Help
The most important thing to remember if you are diagnosed with breast cancer is that you are not alone. Look to your friends and family members for support. Join a support group. Get fit and get active to improve your chances of a successful treatment. And interact with other survivors online. Two of the largest breast cancer foundations are listed below.
For more information:
National Breast Cancer Foundation, nationalbreastcancer.org
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, ww5.komen.org
Your lifestyle is the balance of all the choices that you make regarding your body. Swing the balance in your favor - make a majority of your choices health conscious. And, if you need help, my team and I are only a CLICK away.
So, Life Life Well.
John Aaron
Muscle Mechanics
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