According to breastcancer.org, one in eight women can expect to develop breast cancer at some point in her life.
When you look at the number of women that you know, that number can be quite scary. The good news is that rates have been decreasing since 2000.
Changes in Medicine
Medical providers have been partially responsible for the decline in the numbers of new breast cancer cases.
One reason is thought to be because of the reduction of hormone replacement therapy in women.
Another positive statistic for women is that the number of those dying with breast cancer has been dropping since 1989. Earlier detection and better screening methods are the factors that led to this reduction.
Doctors have also done a good job of increasing the awareness in women so that they receive early detection.
Changes in Lifestyle
The two main risk factors for developing breast cancer are gender and age. Neither factor is something you can change.
While women may not be able to prevent this kind of cancer through lifestyle changes alone, they can discover it earlier, which can lead to early treatment and a better chance of recovery.
Monthly self-exams are one method of early detection.
Another important component to early detection is to get a mammogram. Women over the age of 50 should get one every two years. Women younger than age 50 should talk to their doctor about the frequency.
They may need to have one more often if they have a history of breast cancer in the family.
Women should also make sure they have adequate health insurance to cover preventative measures like mammograms so that they don’t fail to get them when needed.
According to the article, “Health Insurance Guide for Women”, nearly one woman in five does not have health insurance. Those women are less likely to have preventative care and may not receive early detection for breast cancer.
Controlling the Risk
While you cannot change the fact that you are a woman and you cannot stop getting older, you can control other risk factors.
Living a healthy lifestyle is the single most important thing you can do to prevent many health problems, including breast cancer.
Some of these include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting enough rest
- Exercising
- Stopping smoking
- Reducing drinking
- Eating healthy
Some studies have shown that women who do not get enough vitamin D may be at a higher risk for breast cancer.
Also, those who have increased exposure to light at night, such as those who work overnight, may have an increased risk.
Both of these are considered emerging risks and more research may need to be done to tell how much of a risk they provide.
Women of all ages and any family history need to be aware of the risks and methods of detection for breast cancer. If they live healthy lifestyles, they will decrease their level of risk.
It is also important to see a medical provider on a regular basis for early detection and to answer any concerns about the risk of developing breast cancer.
