Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer claims the lives of roughly 43,000 women in America each year. Men also get the disease, although in much smaller numbers. Even so, approximately 520 men will die from breast cancer in America this year. In hopes of reducing the number of associated deaths, as a public service, we are dedicating this week’s blog post to breast cancer awareness. Think pink.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation Defines Breast Cancer:

“In a healthy body, natural systems control the creation, growth and death of cells. Cancer occurs when these systems don’t work right. When cells don’t die at the normal rate, there’s more cell growth than cell death. This excess growth can form a tumor. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast divide and grow without their normal control. Tumors in the breast tend to grow slowly. By the time a lump is large enough to feel, it may have been growing for as long as 10 years. Some tumors are aggressive and grow much faster.”

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.:

• Breast Cancer Awareness efforts reduce the risk of people contracting the illness.
  In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
• 64% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage (there is no sign that cancer has spread outside of the breast), for which the 5-year survival rate is 99%.
• 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2020, approximately 30% of all new women cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.
• There are over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
• On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.
• Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women.
• Thankfully, due to a reduction in the use of hormone replacement therapy, the incidences of breast cancer in women over the age of 50 are starting to decline.

Breast Cancer Awareness: How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer
Lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of breast cancer, even in women who are at high risk:

• Limit alcohol.

  The more you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. The effect of alcohol on breast cancer risk is to limit yourself to less than one drink a day since even small amounts can increase risk.

• Quit Smoking or Don’t Start.

  Evidence suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women.

  

• Control your weight.

  Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.
  

• Stay active.

  Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer. Most healthy adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.

• Breast-feed. (If you have a child.)

  Breast-feeding might play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.

• Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy.

  Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. If you’re taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You might be able to manage your symptoms with nonhormonal therapies and medications. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you, and continue to have your doctor monitor the length of time you’re taking hormones.

• Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution.

  Medical-imaging methods, such as computerized tomography, use high doses of radiation. While more studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and cumulative exposure to radiation over your lifetime. Reduce your exposure by having such tests only when absolutely necessary.

About Foothill Funeral & Cremation in Glendora, California

We don’t want you or your loved ones to die of breast cancer. But even if you avoid this particular malady, unfortunately, death will eventually come. And when it does, we will do our best to make sure your loved ones can mourn your loss in a safe manner. Feel free to contact us now to pre-plan your own memorial or at your time of need (626) 335-0615. Our relationship with the United Methodist Church and Sacred Heart (which currently allows a maximum of 65 people) provides great places for mourners to host funerals and memorials. You’ll love the grandiose yet intimate settings in both locations.