Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Professional Weight Management
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an excellent time to refocus on the steps you can take to protect yourself from cancer.
The first and most important step is to get your annual screenings. If you're a woman, get regular mammograms. There have been changes in recommendations and, of course, you should follow the schedule agreed to between you and your doctor; however the general guideline is to begin regular mammograms between the ages of 40 and 45. The median age of breast cancer diagnosis is 62, however the odds of being diagnosed begin sharply climbing after the age of 40.
If you haven't already scheduled your mammogram, do it now.
Covid-19 Booster Note: The BCRF recommends that mammograms not be performed within six weeks of a Covid-19 vaccine dose due to the rare but possible occurrence of lymph node swelling following the dose, which can lead to inaccurate mammogram readings.
Pay attention to your body and perform self-examination. This should be performed monthly and if you're not sure how to do it--and seriously, most of us aren't really sure--check out this guide from the National Breast Cancer Organization.
Assess the risk/benefit of any postmenopausal hormone use with your doctor.Earlier and longer use of hormone therapy is associated with greater frequency of breast cancer diagnosis.
Lose any extra pounds you may be carrying. Postmenopausal breast cancer risk is 50% higher in overweight women and doubled in obese women. probably due to the higher estrogen levels found in body fat. Insulin may also play a role, as the risk is higher for those who have type II diabetes.
Get up and move. Even walking as exercise has demonstrated a 10-20% reduction in breast cancer risk, with the greater benefit going to those who were more strenuous in their exercise. Moving more not only helps to control your weight but also balances your hormones and reduces inflammation, possibly alleviating those risk factors.
Drink less or no alcohol. Moderate consumption of one drink per day increases your risk by 7-10% while heavy drinking of 2-3 alcoholic drinks per day pushes the risk up by 20%.
Don't smoke. Not all studies have been conclusive regarding this risk, however the American Cancer Society found that women who began smoking before the birth of their first child have a 21% higher risk of developing breast cancer during their life.
And the last recommendation we can make? Don't stress out about your risk. Stress depresses the immune system anyway, and who needs that when you're trying to remain healthy? Relax, be proactive with your health, and get your mammogram. Your loved ones will thank you and we thank you, too.