Cancer deaths have steadily been declining in the United States since the early 1990s, in large part because diagnoses and treatments have improved. Unfortunately, actual cases of cancers have not seen the same decrease, and indeed, cases of many cancers have been steadily increasing during the same time frame. This is certainly true for breast cancer, with 1 in 8 women receiving a diagnosis during her lifetime – it’s the most common cancer type in the United States.
Those numbers may be shocking, but there is some good news embedded in the statistics. In addition to being the most common type of cancer in the United States, breast cancer is also one of the most survivable types of cancer, especially when diagnosed early, with an overall 5-year survival rate of 90%. This rate is as high as 99% among women with localized breast cancer, and the best way to be in this group is to know the risk factors.
Being A Woman
The top risk factor for developing breast cancer is being a woman. This may seem like a redundant statement, but men can develop breast cancer as well. They are at a much lower risk, but it does happen. Consider this a good reason to have regular breast exams and to receive mammograms as scheduled by your doctor.
Family History
After being a woman, one of the most significant breast cancer risk factors is family history, a fact that grabbed headlines back in 2013 after actress Angelina Jolie announced that she had undergone a preventative double mastectomy. Jolie underwent this procedure because she tested positive for the BRCA1 mutation, a genetic mutation that significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
You may choose to be screened for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations if you have a significant family history of breast cancer. The most important thing you can do is receive specialist breast cancer screenings from knowledgeable physicians. There your doctors will be able to perform appropriate risk assessments, recommend genetic testing, and offer targeted screenings based on your risk profile.
Environmental Exposure
One of the most revealing facts about breast cancer is that, while white women and black women are diagnosed at similar rates, black women die from breast cancer much more often. There are likely several reasons for this, but one is environmental racism – the tendency for toxic industries to cluster in areas where communities of color live. These toxic exposures increase disease risk not only for breast cancer, but also lung and skin issues, lead poisoning, and many infectious diseases.
Behavioral Factors
Though the majority of breast cancer risk factors are out of your individual control, there are a few ways you can decrease your risk. In particular, women who consume a lot of red meat and alcohol or who are obese are more likely to develop breast cancer than their slim, vegetarian counterparts. By embracing a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, though, you may be able to undo some of the damage. Essentially, the goal is to choose behaviors that limit systemic inflammation and metabolic disease, which can contribute to an increased risk of all types of cancers.
Take Control Of Your Health
Correct behavior may not be able to protect you from developing breast cancer – or any other disease – but as with all aspects of life, knowledge is power. If you know that you are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, you can discuss this information with your doctor, be vigilant about receiving regular screenings to make it more likely that any cancer will be diagnosed early. It’s your best chance at survival, even when the odds are stacked against you.
Photo Credit
Image by Olya Adamovich from Pixabay
Guest Author Bio
Jamie Lansley
Jamie is a freelance writer who covers trends in business, technology, and health. She loves to go skiing, camping, and rock climbing with her family.
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