New reports from the American Cancer Society are shedding light on updated facts about breast cancer.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — New reports from the American Cancer Society are shedding light on updated facts about breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, following lung cancer. The disease is also the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, reports said. However, it is possible to identify the disease early on and treat it if you are aware of the facts.
Dr. Erika Hamilton with Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) Oncology Partners sat down with News 2’s Blake Eason to explain some common myths about the disease.
MYTH 1: “I live a healthy lifestyle, I won’t get breast cancer.”
Hamilton said one in eight women will have breast cancer at some point in their life. There are many factors that can increase risk, but lifestyle choices are only a few.
“Obesity certainly can be related to breast cancer, but in fact, even those with the healthiest lifestyles, diet and exercise are at risk for breast cancer too,” Hamilton said.
According to the American Cancer Society, lifestyle-related choices known to be risk factors include:
Drinking alcohol
Lack of physical exercise
Excess body weight
Hormone therapy after menopause
Not birthing children, or having a first child after 30
Certain types of birth control
The American Cancer Society said there is no sure way to prevent it altogether, but making lifestyle changes can help lower risks.
MYTH 2: “I don’t need to worry about breast cancer if I have no family history of it.”
While having a family history of cancer does increase risk, over 90% of breast cancer diagnoses are unrelated to genetics, Hamilton said. Other unchangeable factors can also put you at a higher chance of getting the disease.
For example, gender and age are known to be key risk factors. According to the American Cancer Society, most cases of breast cancer are found in women ages 55 and older.
Breast density also plays a part in cancer risk. Additionally, dense tissue makes it more difficult to see cancer, so alternative screening methods may be needed, according to the American Cancer Society.
“If on your mammogram report, it says that you have a high breast density you actually can talk to your doctor about other screening tests like ultrasound or breast MRI,” Hamilton said.
MYTH 3: “If I have no lumps, I don’t need a mammogram.”
Breast cancer in its early stages often cannot be “felt” and typically does not come with any symptoms, which is one reason why yearly mammograms are crucial. A report from the American Cancer Society found that the breast cancer death rate has dropped by 44% since 1989 because of advancements in early detection and treatment.
“Regardless of these breast self-exams, even if you’re diligent about this, you gotta get your mammogram,” she said. Cancer experts recommend starting yearly breast cancer screenings with mammograms at age 40.
MYTH 4: “Remission means my cancer journey is over”
Cancer survivors who are experiencing remission will often need continued care to make sure the disease does not return.
Clinical trials are commonly believed to be for people who have no treatment options left, but cancer trials can also be focused on remission care, Hamilton said. Some treatment centers may offer clinical trials focused on monitoring cells while the disease is in remission.
To learn more about clinical trials and therapies offered by SCRI Oncology Partners, visit cancercarescri.com.