Breast Cancer Awareness
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]?”
1 Corinthians 6:19 AMP
The month of October is known as breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in women, affecting one in every eight women in the US. African American women who bear a disproportionate burden of breast cancer in Pierce County are more likely to die at a younger age from breast cancer than any other race of women. If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance for survival. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage have a 93% or higher survival rate in the first 5 years. This type of cancer has been found in several women younger than their 30s.
Therefore, the recommended age to start screening with mammography is at age 40. Women over the age of 40, do not need to have a written referral (order) for a routine screening mammogram, as in previous years.
When it comes to our health, “our part” means that we take care of our bodies in general and get the routine exams we need. This includes getting mammograms—the part we do so that God can do “His part.”
It is very important to talk with your provider about when frequency and type of screening you may need. Because of family history, a previous condition, or if a person is part of a vulnerable group (like African American, Latino, or Native American), begin screening earlier and have a mammogram each year. Talk to your medical provider to be sure to remember, that these are for women with average risk. African American women as a group, are at higher levels in most regions and need to have theirs done at earlier ages. Men can also get breast cancer, so they need to get screened for it.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER?
Lump
Unusual nipple discharge
Thickening
Skin or nipple retraction/change
Palpable abnormality
Any pain that isn’t chronic or cyclical
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF BREAST CANCER?
In addition to getting an annual clinical breast exam and screening mammogram (for women 40 and older), you can take action to reduce your risk of breast cancer by following the simple guidelines listed:
Eat plant foods
Try for 5-10 servings a day of fruits and vegetables
Reduce alcohol consumption
Only 1 or 2 drinks a week
Exercise 5 times a week for 30 minutes
Vitamin D supplement
Take the minimal requirement of 2000 IU daily
Examine your breasts monthly
Know your breast, so that you can identify changes
No tobacco
Smokers have a 50% increased rate of breast cancer
Take care of yourself
Reduce stress by exercising, reading, listening to music, and breathing techniques
Ideal body mass index (BMI) <25-obese women are more likely to have advanced breast cancer
Olive oil for cooking
9 grams daily reduces the risk of breast cancer
Nutrition
Eat a balanced diet rich in plant food and fiber
SOURCES:
Breast Health Fast Facts — Carol Milgard Breast Info Center -National Cancer Institute
www.breast.cancer.org — Breast cancer
www.cancer support community.org — Cancer support
www.beyond the shock.com — National Breast Cancer Foundation
www.Komen.org — Susan G. Komen Foundation
Prepared by Adriene Tillman, RN
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