What can I do to protect myself against breast cancer?
Jessica
Carlson, MD |
Breast cancer is most successfully treated when caught in the early stages.
If you notice a lump, skin discoloration or changes, discharge from a nipple,
or experience ongoing breast pain, call your primary care doctor
immediately. Four out of five biopsied breast lumps are ruled noncancerous,
so don’t panic if you find one. But do follow up with your doctor.
For many years, women have been encouraged to do monthly breast self-exams. Some organizations and physicians continue to encourage that practice. Based on its research, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concluded that current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of breast self-exams. Consequently, USPSTF recommends that women no longer be encouraged to do monthly self-exams.
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Mammograms
Mammography is still the best available tool to detect breast cancer in early
stages. Most women who get breast cancer have no family history or known
risk factors.
The American Cancer Society guidelines call for yearly mammogram
screenings beginning at age 40 for women at average risk of breast cancer.
On the other hand, a 2009 USPSTF report recommends that women have
mammograms every two years beginning at age 50. If you are unsure when
and how often you should begin having mammograms, talk to your doctor
and make the decision together.
Lifestyle changes
Being overweight increases your risk of breast cancer, particularly if the
weight gain occurs after menopause. Drinking alcohol increases your risk;
if you drink, limit yourself to no more than one drink a day.
Activity that includes aerobic exercise and strength training helps control
weight and improve immunity. Studies have indicated breast-feeding and
discontinuing hormone therapy may both offer protection from breast cancer.
Dr. Jessica Carlson is a family medicine physician at Sanford North Clinic. She graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences at Grand Forks and completed her residency in family medicine at the UND Center of Family Medicine in Bismarck.
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