Know Your Body. Know Your Risk. Take Charge of Your Health.
Breast cancer can affect women at any age, which is why breast health should be part of every woman’s overall health plan, not something we think about only during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The good news is that knowing your personal risk, keeping up with recommended screening, and paying attention to changes in your breasts can help with early detection and informed decision making.
Know Your Risk
Breast cancer risk is influenced by a combination of factors. Some are within our control, while others are not.
Risk factors can include:
• Getting older
• A family history of breast cancer
• Certain inherited gene changes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Having dense breast tissue
• Certain reproductive and hormonal factors
• Previous radiation exposure to the chest
• Being overweight or having obesity after menopause
• Alcohol consumption
• Physical inactivity
Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop breast cancer—and some women develop breast cancer without having an obvious risk factor. Understanding your personal and family history can help you and your healthcare provider determine whether you may need additional evaluation or screening.
Know What Is Normal for You
Every woman’s breasts are different, and breast tissue can naturally change with age, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, weight changes, and hormonal changes.
The important thing is to become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel so you can recognize changes that are new or unusual for you.
Possible signs of breast cancer can include:
• A new lump in the breast or underarm
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Skin irritation, dimpling, redness, or flaking
• Nipple changes, including pulling inward
• Nipple discharge that is not breast milk, particularly bloody discharge
• Persistent breast or nipple pain
These changes can also occur with conditions that are not cancer, but any new or concerning change should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Don’t Put Off Your Mammogram
Screening is one of the most important tools we have for finding breast cancer early.
For women at average risk, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a mammogram every two years from ages 40 through 74. Women with higher-than-average risk may need a different screening plan, including potentially earlier or additional screening.
A mammogram can detect some breast cancers before they are large enough to feel or cause symptoms. That is why waiting until you notice a lump is not a substitute for recommended screening.
What About Dense Breasts?
If your mammogram report says you have dense breasts, don’t panic, but do have a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Dense breast tissue is common and is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. It can also make some cancers more difficult to see on a mammogram. Depending on your overall risk, your provider may discuss whether additional screening is appropriate.
Small Steps Can Make a Difference
You cannot control every breast cancer risk factor, but there are lifestyle choices that can support your overall health and may help lower your risk.
Consider:
Stay active.
Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Especially after menopause, maintaining a healthy weight can be an important part of breast cancer risk reduction.
Be mindful of alcohol.
Alcohol consumption is associated with increased breast cancer risk. Limiting alcohol can be one way to reduce risk.
Know your family history.
Talk with your family about cancer diagnoses. A strong family history may warrant a conversation about genetic counseling or additional screening.
Your Health Is More Than a Mammogram
Breast health is one piece of your overall health.
Your healthcare provider should consider your personal history, family history, medications, hormonal health, lifestyle, metabolic health, and individual risk factors when developing your preventive health plan.
At Vital Wellness, we believe healthcare should be proactive, not reactive. Our goal is to help women better understand their health, identify areas that deserve attention, and create an individualized plan focused on long-term wellness and longevity.
This month, make yourself a priority.
Schedule the mammogram you’ve been putting off.
Learn your family history.
Pay attention to changes in your body.
Ask questions.
Know your risk.
And don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
Your health matters. Your future matters. And early detection matters.
Vital Wellness
Health is our mission. Longevity is our commitment.