By Joy Pierce Mathews for Summit Medical Group

Data from the American Cancer Society suggest that each year approximately 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and an estimated 40,000 women die of the disease. Next to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States; and after lung cancer, it is the second cause of cancer death in women. The good news is that the death rate from breast cancer is declining, most likely as a result of early detection and effective treatment.

Risks for Breast Cancer
Researchers do not know what causes breast cancer, but they have learned that certain factors can increase a woman’s risk for the disease.

Risks for breast cancer include things you cannot control such as your:

• Gender
• Age
• Family history
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Race
• Dense breast tissue
• Genetics
• Duration of menstrual periods
• Exposure to early breast radiation
• Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES)

Risks for breast cancer also include things you can control such as:

• Use of birth control pills
• Exposure to postmenopausal hormone therapy
• Alcohol consumption
• Being overweight or obese
• Lack of exercise
• Not having children
• Not breast-feeding

Although there are no data to confirm the link between breast cancer and environmental hazards such as pollution and cigarette smoke, some researchers believe they also might contribute to a woman’s odds of getting breast cancer. Because some studies show a lower incidence of breast cancer in countries where women mainly eat low-fat foods, the American Cancer Society also recommends that women eat a healthy, low-fat diet.

Finding Breast Cancer Early
The earlier breast cancer is found, the greater the odds for successful treatment and recovery. The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines to find breast cancer early, before you have symptoms. They are:

• Perform regular self examinations starting at age 20
• Have clinical breast examinations at least every 3 years if you are aged 20 to 40 years
• Begin yearly mammogram screening at age 40 years
• Have magnetic resonance imaging with your yearly mammogram if you are at high risk

If you are unsure about your level of risk or if would like to know more about breast cancer and how you can help protect your breast health, please ask your Summit Medical Group obstetrician and gynecologist at 908-273-4300 or contact the Summit Medical Group Breast Center at 908-277-8670 for more information.