Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, but can occur in men as well. Routine check ups are recommended for women – particularly as they age. 

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?​

• Family history of breast cancer
• Personal history of breast issues
• Increase in age
• Obesity and excessive alcohol consumption
• Radiation exposure
• Having your period before age 12, beginning menopause at an older age, having your first child after 30, having never been pregnant
• Postmenopausal hormone therapy 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

• A lump in the breast that feels unlike the surrounding tissue
• Change in size or shape of breast
• Dimpling in skin or newly inverted nipple
• Breast skin issues such as redness or pitting of skin, peeling, flaking, crusting, etc.

Any new lump in the breast should be taken seriously and screened by a physician. 

HOW CAN I PREVENT BREAST CANCER?
Breast cancer is likely a combination of genetic and environmental  factors. 5-10% of women who acquire breast cancer have mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Other women have several contributing risk factors, while some women have none. Therefore, the best approach for preventing breast cancer is simply to pay attention to your family history, lifestyle, and changes in your breasts and body:

• Perform self-exams regularly on your breasts to determine any new developments or changes
• Ask your doctor about mammograms and routine screenings
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Exercise regularly (at 30 minutes per day)
• Eat a healthy diet (Mediterranean diet is suggested)
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit postmenopausal hormone therapies to the lowest dose and shortest duration possible
• For high risk women, doctors might recommend a preventative mastectomy or estrogen-blocking medications. Consult with your physician. 

HOW CAN ADVANCED URGENT CARE SUPPORT ME?
At Advanced Urgent Care, our doctors can assist you in diagnosing a potential case of breast cancer. While any combination of tests may be required after examination, our standard protocol might involve:

• In-depth patient intake and family history
• Physical examination of the breast
• Lab tests and blood work analyses
• Ultrasound of the breast

Depending upon the findings, a treatment plan or referral to a specialist may be recommended. 

Note: If your primary care or referring physician has requested a  CT Scan, Ultrasound or bloodwork, please call us at 305-294-0011 to schedule your appointment. 

JUST REMEMBER...
Breast cancer is a very common disease, and there are more treatments available now than ever before. While some procedures to eliminate the cancer are more severe than others, only you can make the decision on what's best for you and your body (after considering professional advice). Throughout the process, please remember to stay calm, find community, and know that you are far from alone.

We are here for you.

For more information, please visit: www.breastcancer.org

The above information was contributed from the Mayo Clinic.