Breast Cancer: Early Detection Can Save Your Life

October is breast cancer awareness month. The disease continues to plague women worldwide, but progress is being made.

Since the 1980s, breast cancer diagnoses have increased rapidly, making this the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, according to the American Cancer Society. While the greater incidence of breast cancer isn’t good news, rising statistics are due in part to the increased use of mammography, which helps detect breast cancer in its early stages.

And that’s where we’re starting to see some promising news: Although breast cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, there’s a gradual decline in deaths due to breast cancer, thanks to mammography. Additionally, increased awareness and improved treatment options are helping to reducing the breast-cancer death rate.

A routine mammography enabled Jeanette Whitney to catch her breast cancer early on and seek appropriate treatment.

What causes breast cancer?

The exact cause of breast cancer is not known. Doctors and researchers have identified several risk factors for the disease. Many of these risk factors, such as age, family history and inherited genes, can’t be controlled. However, there are some things you can do to lower your risk of breast cancer:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
  
  
• Limit alcohol generally to no more than an one drink per day
  
  
• Following the birth of a baby, breastfeed if you can.
  
  
• Inform your doctor if you think you may be at higher risk. There are medications available that may lower those risks. Be sure to discuss the side effects
  
  
• Visit The National Cancer Institute

How can breast cancer be detected?

Mammograms are x-rays of the breast that can help doctors find cancer early, when the cancer is small and easier to treat than more advanced cancer. That’s useful because early treatment can sometimes lower the chances that breast cancer will return or spread to other parts of the body.

Many organizations recommend that women have mammograms every 1 to 2 years starting at age 40. There is good evidence that women aged 50 and older can lower their chance of dying from breast cancer by having regular mammograms.

How is breast cancer treated?

Treatment for breast cancer is dependent upon the type of cancer present, how advanced it is, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Most women will have surgery to remove the cancer from the breast. This may involve removing just the cancer, known as a lumpectomy, or performing a mastectomy, in which the entire breast is removed. For many women, either lumpectomy followed by radiation or mastectomy are equally effective in treating the cancer.

After the surgery, treatment can include radiation therapy, which destroys any cancer cells that may remain in the breast, chemotherapy, which travels through the body to kill cancer cells, or hormone therapy. These treatments reduce the chances of the cancer returning. However, for some women, the risk of cancer coming back is low enough that they may consider not having these treatments.

What should I do if I’m diagnosed with breast cancer?

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but support is available through a number of resources.

• LifeSteps health coaches: One of the best things you can do for yourself is talk to your doctor about your treatment options. The LifeSteps health coaches can explain various procedures and help you prepare for discussions with your doctor. If appropriate, a health coach will send you a videotape about breast cancer. The information and emotional support the coaches provide will give you peace of mind during a trying time. LifeSteps health coaching is a free service to all American Standard employees and family members – to speak with a coach, call 1-877-LIFE-123.
  
  
• Local support groups: Check with your doctor, hospital, or a breast cancer organization – such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation or the American Cancer Society to find a support group in your area. Talking with other women who are also managing breast cancer is a wonderful way to share information and receive encouragement from people who understand your experience.
  
  
• Get involved! There are many breast cancer fundraising events throughout the country, such as the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Also, be sure to check with your local HR representative to learn about events and organizations American Standard supports.