October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and major breast cancer charities work to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer. When I was in my late 20’s my doctor felt a lump in my breast. As a result I became vigilant with my own breast health. With age appropriate breast imaging and exams, I had surgery to remove the small mass.Thankfully it was benign and every year I go for my annual screening.
Today I spoke to Dr. Virginia Maurer, a well regarded breast surgeon who is the founder of The Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Education. Dr. Mauer and I believe that every month should be devoted to breast cancer awareness. We talked about some important tips for early detection and risk reduction.
1) The importance of good healthy habits. It is so important to learn and engage in good eating, and exercising behaviors. We discussed that when girls are young the groundwork should be laid to instill these good habits. Bad habits (weight gain, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of a regular exercise) can potentially set the stage for breast cancer.
2) The importance of knowing thyself and knowing family history. John’s Hopkins School of Medicine reports that there is no doubt that breast cancer can run in families, so it's likely that there is a hereditary factor. Dr. Maurer also stated that “we know that 10 to 15% of breast cancer are hereditary and women with family histories are at an increased risk, particularly if relatives are diagnosed before menopause”.
3) The importance of going for an annual breast exam. You must schedule an annual breast exam by your physician as well go for your annual breast imaging/screening.
Knowledge is power and breast cancer can be prevented with good education and support that is readily available to everyone nationwide.