Breast cancer occurs is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the breast.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “each year in the United States, about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and about 2,400 in men. About 42,000 women and 500 men in the U.S. die each year from breast cancer.”
If caught early, breast cancer may be treated, but early detection is key to increasing survival rates. That’s why screenings and preventative care are so important.
Breast cancer risk factors
A number of factors can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. Some of these factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed. But there are some lifestyle choices that can impact your risk.
For example, alcohol consumption and obesity have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy weight are two ways you can reduce your risk.
Screenings and preventative care
Screenings and preventative care are the best ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Getting regular mammograms and doing monthly self-breast exams can help catch breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. Be sure to report any changes in your breasts to your healthcare provider right away.
In addition to screenings, reduce your risk of breast cancer by limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.
Breast cancer is a serious disease that can be fatal if it is not detected and treated early. Screenings and preventative care are the best ways to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Schedule a mammogram and do a monthly self-breast exam.
Early detection goes a long way in the fight against breast cancer!