October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At this time of the year, women are reminded of the importance of healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of breast cancer. According to the World health organization, breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide. The incidence has been rising up steadily in the last years with about 1.38 million new cases detected each year.
Leading a healthy lifestyle is the first step towards lowering any possible risks with emphasis on regular physical activity, healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, poultry, fish & low-fat dairy products and weight gain control through limiting the total intake of calories.
Early detection tests for breast cancer help save thousands of lives each year, and many more can be saved if more women are encouraged to undergo detection tests including breast self- exam, clinical breast exam and mammograms.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Any lump or swelling in the breast.
- Change in the breast skin, such as redness.
- Change in the size or shape of the breast.
- Any abnormal liquid secretion.
- Any ulceration that does not heal.
In 2015, the American Cancer Society issued the following recommendations for women at average risk for breast cancer (i.e. no personal or family history of breast cancer or any genetic factors, etc…):
- Start annual or biennial breast cancer screening with mammograms at the age 40-49 years if they wish to do so.
- Have a mammogram every year between the age of 50 to 54, then every two years until the age of 74.
Women at higher than average risk for breast cancer i.e. those who have a parent, sibling, or child with breast cancer should start screening annually at age 40.