This past year, over 300,000 women in the U.S. were diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers diagnosed each year. With October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, now is a great time to learn more about this disease, its risk factors, symptoms, screenings, and treatment options.
Risk Factors
Breast cancer is widely believed to be influenced by a combination of factors and all play an important role in creating a woman’s risk profile. Age and genetics are risk factors we can’t change, while factors we can change include our lifestyle habits. A woman’s risk for breast cancer is considered higher if she has a sister, daughter, or mother who has had breast cancer. Though some women have a family history, approximately 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no history of breast cancer in their family. Women can help reduce their risk of breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, eating more fruits and vegetables, exercising, limiting alcohol consumption, and not smoking.
Signs and Symptoms
While lumps in and around the breast are traditionally recognized as the tell-tale sign of breast cancer, only 20% of all lumps that are biopsied are actually cancer. It’s also important to be aware of a few other signs or symptoms of the disease, such as
- Swelling of the breast
- Breast and/or nipple pain
- Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple
- Skin irritation and dimpling, and more
Exams and Screenings
About 20% of the time, breast cancers are found by physical examination. Recognizing an irregularity of the breast can be an important factor in early diagnosis. Performing monthly self-examination helps women to become more familiar with their breasts and to recognize and act upon any irregularities. While self-exams are important in finding breast cancer in its early stages, it is also important to include mammography in detection tactics. The American Cancer Society recommends women with average risk start yearly mammograms at age 45, regardless of symptoms or family history.
Treatment Options
There are many treatment options available for women facing breast cancer. The treatment offered to each woman depends on the type of breast cancer and the stage at diagnosis. At CAMC Radiation Oncology Services, we use radiation therapy to treat breast cancer. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the most common type of radiation therapy for women with breast cancer. EBRT is administered with a linear accelerator (LINAC) that generates and delivers high-energy X-ray beams to the breast cancer. It destroys cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Treatments require no hospitalization, only take about 10 to 15 minutes, and are painless and safe. Side effects are usually minimal and most patients return to routine activities immediately after each treatment.
This October, all women are encouraged to take the time to educate themselves on breast cancer. With our experienced team of radiation oncologists, therapists, nurses, etc., effective and compassionate care is closer than ever. For more information on how CAMC Radiation Oncology Services treat breast cancer, or to make an appointment, please contact our center today.