potential benefits of screening and early breast cancer detection outweigh the risks. It’s always best practice to consult with your medical provider on when to start mammogram screenings and how often. Another misconception is that men cannot develop breast cancer. While yes, women are most commonly diagnosed with breast cancer, a man’s breast cells and tissue can still develop cancer. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. notes that males represent about 1% of total breast cancer cases and are typically diagnosed between the ages of 60 and 70.
• Explore genetic testing with your healthcare provider • Women 40 and older are recommended to obtain a mammogram annually • Women under age 40 with risk factors should consult their healthcare provider about starting screening earlier Taking care of ourselves often begins with education and awareness. Arming yourself with this information can set you up for a more productive visit with your healthcare provider. The good news While the statistics are sobering, deaths from breast cancer are progressively declining in large, partly due to increased awareness, early detection, and improved treatments. The good news: You can support the decline! One way you can do so is by donating to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. A donation of $150 provides a mammogram for a woman in need. Another way you can support the decline is by sharing resources and spreading awareness among your network. Consider wearing a pink ribbon and sharing this article with friends or a fundraising event on your social media channels. Are you a survivor? Sharing your story with an advocacy group can also make an impact. While October highlights the importance of breast cancer awareness, community support and advocacy can save lives year-round. Source(s): “Key Statistics for Breast Cancer”. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html. Updated January 17, 2024. Accessed July 29, 2024. “Black Women and Breast Cancer”. Maryland Oncology Hematology. https://marylandoncology.com/ black-women-and-breast-cancer/. Published June 20, 2024. Accessed July 29, 2024. “Mammograms”. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/mammograms-fact- sheet. Updated February 21, 2023. Accessed July 29, 2024. “Early Detection”. National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/ early-detection-of-breast-cancer/. Updated January 17, 2024. Accessed July 29, 2024. “Do You Have Dense Breasts? Here’s How To Find Out — And What To Know About the Cancer Risks”. Katie Couric Media. https://katiecouric.com/health/cancer/what-are-dense-breasts/. Published September 28, 2023. Accessed July 29, 2024. Fairley R, Lillard JW Jr, Berk A, Cornew S, Gaspero J, Gillespie J, Horne LL, Kidane S, Munro SB, Parsons M, Powers ER, Rizzo SE, Tishcler A, Wohl H, Weiss MC. “Increasing Clinical Trial Participation of Black Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11101578/. Published June 11, 2024. Accessed July 29, 2024. Isabelle Bedrosian et al. “Germline Testing in Patients With Breast Cancer: ASCO–Society of Surgical Oncology Guideline”. ASCO–Society of Surgical Oncology Guideline. https:// ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.23.02225#:~:text=genetic%20counseling%20recommendations.-, Recommendations,polymerase%20(PARP)%20inhibitor%20therapy. Published January 4, 2024.
You are your own best advocate
Dr. Werner emphasizes the importance of being proactive by being familiar with your breasts, keeping up with regular clinical breast exams, and getting routine mammograms starting at age 40 (for women of average risk). If you detect a lump, bring it to your doctor’s attention as soon as possible. Former Today Show host, Katie Couric, has been raising awareness of dense breasts since her breast cancer diagnosis in 2022. Dense breasts have higher amounts of fibrous tissue compared to fatty tissue. This isn’t something you or your provider can feel during a breast examination. Mammograms are used to quantify breast density, and Maryland requires providers to inform patients about their breast density. If you do have dense tissue, your provider may suggest additional imaging of your breasts, like a breast ultrasound, since dense tissue can make finding cancer more difficult. Current guidelines recommend a referral for genetic testing for women ages 65 and under with a breast cancer diagnosis. Select patients older than 65 may also be referred as well. For some, genetic testing is an important foundation for developing screening and treatment plans. Important Notes: • Risk factors for breast cancer include genetic predisposition, dense breast tissue, smoking, family history, heart disease, and diabetes • Understand the signs and symptoms of breast cancer like a lump, changes in breast shape, swelling, discharge, and changes in the nipple • Visit your doctor for regular clinical breast exams • Know your body and alert your provider to any changes you notice in your breasts
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