The Fidelis Care Blog

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in New York State. Each year in New York, more than 16,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 2,500 women die from the disease.

Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Women at ages 40 to 74 years old should have this test every one or two years. Ask your PCP when you should get a mammogram.

In addition to getting regular mammograms, you can reduce your risk for breast cancer by making certain lifestyle changes. They include:

• Minimize alcohol use. Studies show a woman’s risk for breast cancer increases with the more alcohol she drinks. Women can stop drinking alcohol or lower their risk by only consuming one alcoholic beverage a day.

• Don’t smoke: Women who currently smoke and have been smoking for more than 10 years have about a 10% higher risk of breast cancer than women who have never smoked.

• Stay active. Women who are not physically active have a higher risk of getting breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week, preferably spread throughout the week.

• Take steps to avoid obesity. Older women who are overweight have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.

• Talk with your PCP if you are on hormone replacement therapy that includes both estrogen and progesterone. Certain birth control pills also have been found to raise breast cancer risk. You can learn more about breast cancer with information from the CDC.

The following factors DO NOT influence breast cancer risk:

• Chlorinated chemicals including polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, and organochlorine pesticides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
• Antioxidants- vitamin A, E, or C or beta-carotene 
• Tubal ligation
• Abortion (induced or spontaneous)
• Caffeine
• Cosmetic breast implants
• Electromagnetic fields
• Electric blankets
• Hair dyes

Click here to learn more about breast cancer awareness and prevention.

References:

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/cancer/breast/campaign/#:~:text=If%20you%20don't%20have,Cancer%20Services%20Program%20near%20you

New York State Department of Health: https://www.health.ny.gov/statistics/cancer/registry/abouts/breast.htm#:~:text=Breast%20cancer%20is%20one%20of,breast%20cancer%20during%20her%20life.

Chlebowski, Rowen T. Factors that modify breast cancer risk in women. In: UpToDate, Post, TW (Ed), UpToDate, Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc. Inc. http://www.uptodate.com. (Accessed on September 19, 2023.)

American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/can-i-lower-my-risk.html

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm and https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm

Susan G Komen: https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/risk-factor/factors-that-affect-risk/