When you think of October, Halloween may come to mind first. But there’s also pink everywhere throughout the month for breast cancer awareness. There are walks, runs, fundraisers, and other events happening all around the country. We want to do our part here in Elmhurst to raise awareness.
Keep reading to learn more about breast cancer including risks associated with the disease, tips for screening and prevention, and statistics related to the prevalence of breast cancer. For example, did you know that one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? Every single year, breast cancer kills more than 40,000 women.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Knowing your risks and identifying early signs of breast cancer are the best ways to beat the disease and enjoy a long, healthy life. Remember – symptoms are difference for each individual, but we’re highlighting some of the top ones to be aware of.
- A lump in your breast tissue, including the armpits
- Skin on an area of your breast swelling or getting thick
- Breast skin developing dimples or getting easily irritated
- Nipples becoming red, scaly, or developing thick skin
- Discharge from nipples (aside from breastmilk)
- Unexplained changes in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- Breast or nipple pain
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
There are some factors you cannot change to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. But other factors are impacted by lifestyle choices. Making a positive change at any point in your life is a great way to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Factors you cannot change include:
- Your age – As you get older, your risk of developing breast cancer increases.
- Genetics – If you have inherited mutation, like genes BRCA1 or BRCA2, you are more likely to have breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
- Hormones – If you started your period before age 12 or began going through menopause after age 55 then you’re at an increased risk for breast cancer due to greater exposure to hormones.
- Dense breast tissue – This can make it more difficult to identify a tumor on a mammogram.
- Family history – You’re more likely to have breast cancer if your mother, sister, or daughter have been diagnosed with breast cancer or if several relatives have been diagnosed.
There are also factors that you can have an impact on. For example, being physically active makes it less likely that you will develop breast cancer. The sam thing goes for maintainin a healthy weight. If you are currently overweight, getting active and eating better can have a positive impact. Drinking alcohol is also linked to an increased risk for breast cancer.
Although you may not be able to change the factors, having a first pregnancy after age 30 and not breastfeeding also increase your risks. Being aware of these is important even if you cannot change them. Remember, you may not be able to prevent breast cancer but you can stay ahead of it. Be proactive and keep up with annual well visits and mammograms when the time comes.
Contact Althoff Home Services today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!