Oct. 30--Even though Breast Cancer Awareness Month is coming to a close and pink decor will be disappearing, that doesn't mean the disease will be going away.
For Kelley Spaeder, senior community manager of the South Atlantic Division for the American Cancer Society, it's on her mind every day.
From awareness to prevention to treatment, she hopes others will continue to spread the same message after October ends.
"Preventing and detecting breast cancer early will help save more lives. Understand the lifestyle factors that may affect your risk of breast cancer and what you can do to stay healthy," Spaeder said.
Though several factors play into the disease, and there is no absolute prevention method, there are certain lifestyle habits she says are linked to a lower risk of developing breast cancer or preventing its return.
-- Be physically active. Spaeder says that evidence continues to mount that regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of developing breast cancer risk. "It also helps to keep your weight under control, which may also lower your risk," she said.
-- Eat a healthy diet. Studies link a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy products to a reduced breast cancer risk. Thus, Spaeder says, will also help maintain a healthy weight.
-- Limit alcohol intake. "Research has shown that even one alcoholic drink per day can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer, while having two or more alcoholic drinks per day is linked to a higher risk," Spaeder warned.
Regular breast exams, mammograms and other screenings increase the chances of detecting breast cancer early, which Spaeder says is when it is most likely to be treatable. Beginning in their 20s and continuing through their 30s, Spaeder recommends women receive a clinical breast exam about every three years.
Entering their 40s, women should begin regular mammograms every year. Self-breast exams are also an option for women in their 20s, she says, especially for women who might be at a higher risk.
"Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care provider. Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s. Some women, because of their family history, a genetic tendency or certain other factors, should be screened with MRI, in addition to mammograms," Spaeder said.
Though the number of women who fall into that category make up less than two percent of women in the United States, Spaeder encourages discussing family history and other factors with a physician to see when or if testing at an earlier age is necessary.
Women aren't the only ones who should be concerned. Though breast cancer is 100 times less common among men, Spaeder says, there is still a lifetime risk of 1 in 1,000 of developing breast cancer as a male. The cause is unknown, but risk factors should be discussed with a physician.
Help research
The local branch of the American Cancer Society, 3011 Hampton Avenue, Brunswick, is beginning preparations to participate in a study that may help scientists and doctors in the battle against breast cancer. The study, entitled Cancer Prevention Study-3, will have enrollment March 12 through 14 for Glynn County at the Southeast Georgia Health System and St. William Catholic Church on St. Simons Island. Information and lifestyles and health status will be collected to help identify health care strategies. Call the American Cancer Society at 265-7117 for details.
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(c)2012 The Brunswick News (Brunswick, Ga.)
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