October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there’s no better time than now to be deliberate about your breast health. As it turns out, Chicago has the dubious distinction of ranking first in breast cancer mortality for Black women. This statistic, while alone is egregious, becomes even more tragic when you consider that the overall rate of developing breast cancer in Black women is significantly lower than White women, especially when one takes in account African women. The reasons for this are not entirely clear, but it may be related to the notion that Black women have more aggressive cancers and more advanced, later stage disease when finally diagnosed.
The most common female cancer, breast cancer is diagnosed in over 180,000 women each year—about 40,000 die. There are classical risk factors for developing breast cancer including, early start of menses, late start of menopause, history of other benign breast conditions, age when first child born and family history. Things like a high fat diet and a lack of exercise are important risk factors as well. But did you know that breastfeeding for at least six months may reduce breast cancer risk?
Vigorous debate followed the recommendation of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to start routine breast cancer screening with mammography at age 50, not 40. They softened their stance because of public outcry and recommended that women between the ages of 40 and 49 may undergo mammograms every two years should they choose to be screened only after careful consideration of patient values. While screening is key and you should have the conversation about when and how often to be screened with your doctor, you must do all that you can prevent breast cancer.
Here are some things that may not be general knowledge about reducing breast cancer risks:
1. Regular physical exercise
2. Portion control and low fat dieting
3. Healthy weight management
4. Breastfeeding for 6 months or more
5. Limited alcohol consumption
6. Clinical breast exam by trained healthcare professional
Make sure you know the measures to take to help prevent and/or treat breast cancer.
Dave Montgomery, MD, PhD is a Cardiologist at Northwestern University and a sought after Speaker and Health Coach. http://davemontgomerymd.com
