(October 5, 2009)  The most common cancer among women is breast cancer. One in every eight women will experience breast cancer during her lifetime. But the chance of dying from breast cancer is only one in 33, due primarily to improved early detection methods.

The next breakthrough in breast cancer treatment may be a diabetes drug that can already be found in every pharmacy around the country. Metformin – generally sold under brand names such as Glucophage and Fortamet – may help prevent breast cancer or improve outcomes for women with breast cancer. A recent study found that Metformin was beneficial in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, and might even be able to target cancer stem cells, which are thought to be responsible for breast cancer spread and recurrence. This is exciting news for researchers since cancer stem cells are typically resistant to standard chemotherapy. Studies into the effectiveness of Metformin are continuing, but researchers are enthusiastic, especially given Metformin’s long, outstanding safety record.

“The purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to increase awareness and promote early detection,” said Pearl Nichols, ARRT, Mammography Technician at Wagoner Community Hospital. “Our goal is to detect any breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. In the past 20 years, mammography rates have doubled and breast cancer deaths have declined. But, there are still far too many women who don’t take advantage of the life saving benefits of modern detection options. If all women age 40 and over took advantage of the early detection methods – which include clinical breast exams as well as mammography – we could see breast cancer death rates decline by up to 30%.”

Each year in the United States, nearly 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed. Most breast lumps, however, are not cancer. In fact, 80% of all breast tumors are benign, and pose no threat to life.

“Mammography screening is the single most effective method for routine screening among the general population of women,” Ms. Nichols continued. “But once is not enough. Mammography screenings must be performed regularly to detect the tiniest changes. To be most effective, mammography should be combined with regular examinations by your health care provider as well as your own monthly breast self examination.”

Another resource being called into play in the fight against breast cancer is MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This test can be used to distinguish between benign and malignant breast lesions. However, MRI is not recommended for routine screenings and will probably not replace mammography. MRI can detect tumors in dense breast tissue, but it cannot detect tiny specks of calcium or microcalcifications, which account for half of the cancers detected by mammography.

The messages for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month are important:

• Early detection saves lives.
• Mammography screening is the single most effective method of early detection.
• All women over the age of 40 need a mammogram every year or every other year. (Talk to your doctor about the mammogram frequency recommended for you.)
• Women should know how their breasts normally feel and should report any changes to their health care provider.
• Breast self-examinations (monthly from age 20 and up) and clinical examinations (at least every three years from age 20 to 39, and annually from age 40 and up) should be a part of regular health screenings.

The most common risk factors for breast cancer:

• Sex – being a woman; breast cancer can occur in men, but it is very rare.
• Age – the risk of breast cancer increases with age. The risk is especially high for women age 60 and more.
• Personal / family history – if you’ve had previous breast disease, biopsies or cancer, or have a close relative with breast cancer, the risks increase.
• Genetics – women with either of two familial breast cancer genes called BRCA1 or BRCA2 are at higher risk.
• Having an early first period (before the age of 12)
• Having no children, or having a late first pregnancy (after age 25 or 35)
• Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
• Weight – being overweight increases risk, especially after menopause.
• Race – Caucasian women are at slightly higher risk.

“A new study showed that up to 40% of all cases of breast cancer could be prevented through lifestyle measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, exercising and limiting alcohol consumption,” said Ms. Nichols. “Perhaps the single most important step a woman can take to reduce her breast cancer risk is to maintain a healthy weight or lose weight if she’s overweight. Get moving and exercise regularly, and eat a primarily plant-based diet, rather than one heavy in red and processed meats.”