October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month but for me breast cancer awareness is an everyday thing. Without
the benefit of early detection the story of my life would be very different. Thanks to the
power of pink, awareness is up. But unfortunately breast cancer is still the
most frequently diagnosed cancer among women worldwide and the leading cause of
cancer death. Despite advances in detection and treatment the battle to defeat
breast cancer has not yet been won and experts believe it’s time to focus on
prevention.
Here are just some things every
woman needs to be aware of . . .
You can lower your risk of developing breast
cancer:
- Exercise – According to new research from the University of Minnesota, a few hours of physical activity each week can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by as much as 30 percent.
- Eat Right – Everyone knows that vegetables are good for you but now the Harvard School of Public Health is reporting that vegetable consumption has been linked to a lower risk of ER-positive breast tumors -- the type of breast cancer that affects 70% of those diagnosed.
- Exemestane – A new drug called exemestane, given to postmenopausal women with an increased risk of developing breast cancer (family history), has been shown in clinical trial to reduce the risk of developing ER-positive breast cancer by up to 73 percent.
- Don’t smoke – Women who smoke have a 12% greater risk of developing breast cancer than those who never smoked.
Mammograms and monthly self-exams are important but
smarter screening techniques have been developed:
- Density Matters -- Several states have enacted laws that require patients be notified if they have very dense breast tissue because women with dense breast tissue have as much as a four time greater risk of developing breast cancer compared to women with don’t have dense breasts. If you have dense breasts opt for digital mammogram. Digital mammography makes it easier for screeners to detect abnormalities in the breast.
- 3-D Digital Mammography -- Digital breast tomosynthesis with 3-D imaging produces a more complete image than 2-D imaging techniques. Unfortunately at this point in time 3-D imaging is not covered by most insurance plans.
Research has lead to better understanding and
thus better treatment methods:
- Safer Radiation Techniques – Research has shown that administering a high dose of radiation during a lumpectomy is as effective as a 6-week course of postsurgical radiation with less harm to the lungs and heart tissue of the patient.
- Margin Probe Approved – With the help of the Margin Probe device, surgeons are better able to assess the margins of a tumor to determine whether the removal of additional tissue is warranted.
- Kadcyla – In February 2013 the FDA approved the use of Kadcyla for HER-2 positive breast cancer patients. Kadcyla has been called a “smart bomb” because it delivers chemo straight to the cancer cells. It has been shown to extend the survival rate of breast cancer patients and decrease chemotherapy related side effects.
- DigniCap – It’s bad enough that you’ve had to have your breasts surgically removed but then the treatment to save your life makes all your hair fall out. Wearing this cold cap during treatment has been shown to reduce toxins in the hair follicle that lead to hair loss. Thanks to DigniCap the quality of life for many breast cancer patients has been enhanced.
Breast Cancer and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare):
Think what you want about the
Affordable Care Act but one good thing I’ve learned is that under the
terms of the Affordable Care Act women cannot be denied coverage because of a
preexisting condition, preventative screening and early detection services will
be provided at no cost for women 40 and over, lifetime dollar limits on
coverage are prohibited and there will be restrictions on out-of-pocket costs
for treatment.
Make the time to be good to you
by doing all you can to prevent breast cancer. I challenge you to take charge
of your health. It is without
question the most important thing you can do for yourself, for those you
love and for those that love you.
Good Health!
Terry
“Life comes with many challenges. The ones that
should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of.”
~Angelina Jolie, mother of 6,
actress/director, made the choice to have a prophylactic double mastectomy
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