Breast Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives -Wagoner Hospital

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Breast Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives

Health Message from Wagoner Community Hospital

(October 15, 2007) 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. This decline in breast cancer death rates is attributed to improved early detection methods.

"Mammography screening is still the single most effective method of detecting breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages," said Dr. Stephanie Runyan, radiologist at Wagoner Community Hospital. "But once is not enough. Mammography screenings must be performed regularly to detect even minute changes. To be most effective, mammography should be combined with regular examinations by your physician or health care provider as well as your own monthly breast self examination."

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

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.

Several years ago, a gene was pinpointed that has been connected to an increased risk for breast cancer. In addition to the inherited risk from the "breast cancer" gene, a number of other risk factors have been identified. However, many women diagnosed with breast cancer have none of these risk factors. So it's important for all women to receive regular breast cancer screenings.

The most common risk factors:

Sex - while breast cancer can occur in men, it is about 100 times more common in women

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 or cancer, or have a close relative with breast cancer, the risks increase.

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). (Use of oral contraceptives has not been shown to significantly increase risk.)

Lifestyle choices to reduce risks:

Decrease fat intake - especially saturated and hydrogenated fats.

Increase fiber in your diet by eating whole grains, vegetables and fruits.

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables - in addition to the fiber content, fruits and vegetables have antioxidants and micronutrients that may help prevent some cancers.

Limit alcohol consumption - women who consume two or more drinks a day increase their risk slightly.

Stay active - strive for 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise most days.

Maintain a healthy weight. Excess fat may stimulate estrogen production, so try to maintain your weight through a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Don't smoke.

"While the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer increases each year, the number of deaths is going down," Dr. Runyan concluded. "The best approach is for women to work with their health provider to receive regular exams and mammograms, eat a healthy diet and get regular physical exercise. Two recent studies showed that regular exercise may help prevent breast cancer and can help those who are diagnosed with the disease cope with the treatment regimen."