Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer has had a profound impact on many lives across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's the country's second leading cause of cancer death. If this disease has touched you or someone you love, you're not alone. Even if you haven't been directly affected, spreading awareness is a critical part of shedding light on this cancer and helping save lives.

Understanding Breast Cancer

As the name suggests, breast cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the breast. It can affect both men and women but is most common among women, especially those over 50. Some signs to watch out for include:

• Unusual changes in your breast's size or shape
• Skin dimpling or puckering on the breast
• Nipple discharge
• A lump on the breast
• Breast dryness, inflammation or thickening
• Breast pain
• Nipple retraction

Catching breast cancer early plays an important part in improving health outcomes for patients. Breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body is typically much more challenging to treat.

Risk Factors and Prevention

There is no known way to prevent breast cancer altogether. For some people, genetic factors can increase their chances of developing cancer, regardless of lifestyle choices. However, the American Cancer Society (ACS) notes several actions that could help reduce your risk:

• Stay active: While physical activity can play a positive part in overall health, it has also been linked to reduced breast cancer risk. You could benefit long-term in more ways than one from a healthy lifestyle.
• Maintain a healthy weight: The ACS reports that weight gain can be a risk factor for breast cancer, especially later in life.
• Limit alcohol intake: Because research has linked alcohol to an increase in breast cancer risk, the ACS advises women to either completely avoid alcohol or have a maximum of one drink per day.
• Breastfeed: If you're pregnant or nursing, you might reduce your breast cancer risk by breastfeeding for a few months post-childbirth.
• Avoid post-menopausal hormone therapy: Hormone therapy post-menopause also has links to breast cancer in women.

While keeping these factors in mind might help lower your risk of developing breast cancer, it's also important to perform self-exams and go to screenings. With these actions, you have a better chance of detecting abnormalities early.

Breast Cancer Treatment

Treatment for breast cancer comes in many forms, and the solution should fit the individual. The types of treatment commonly used to fight this disease include:

• Chemotherapy: Oral and intravenous chemotherapy can be used to halt the growth of cancer cells in patients.
• Immunotherapy: This treatment focuses on boosting the immune system in order to fight cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses particle waves to treat cancer by damaging cancer cells and reducing the size of tumors.
• Hormone therapy: Blocking hormones such as estrogen can help slow the spread of this disease.
• Targeted therapy: This therapy involves the use of medications to target specific parts of cancer cells.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In 2022, over 4 million women in the U.S. were living with breast cancer, according to estimates. With this disease having such a broad impact, there are many efforts to support those living with it. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in October and has been making a difference since 1989 as a health campaign designed to educate the public and raise funds for research.

If you're interested in showing support for the cause during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and year-round, check the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) or see if any local events or opportunities are taking place near you.

How The Oncology Institute Can Help

At The Oncology Institute, we understand the unique needs of cancer patients. We treat women for many types of breast and gynecologic cancer and do everything we can to provide the optimal care and support for our patients.

If you want to learn more about the types of cancer we treat or the treatments we offer, visit our Cancer Center for Women today. Or, if you're ready to request an appointment, you can fill out the form on our website

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