By Linda Garner, Parish Nurse

This month is the 20th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Much progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in the past 20 years; however, breast cancer is still the most common cancer in women.

One in seven women will develop invasive breast cancer at some time in her life. Incidence rates have continued to increase; but fortunately the rate of increase has slowed during the 1990s. Breast cancer rates currently are increasing only among those 50 and older.

What are the risk factors for breast cancer? Risks factors that cannot be changed include gender. Being female is the foremost risk factor. Men can develop breast cancer, but it is 100 times more common in women. Another risk is becoming older. About 77 percent of breast cancer is diagnosed in women older than 50. Another risk factor that cannot be changed is the presence of an inherited gene that predisposes to breast cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most commonly identified genes). Family history of breast cancer, especially a sister or mother who has had breast cancer, increases the risk as well as a personal history of breast cancer. A woman with cancer in one breast has a greater risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast. Breast cancer is more common in white women than in African-American women.

Lifestyle-related factors that increase risks of developing breast cancer include:

• Not having children or having children after age 30.
• Oral contraceptive use.
• Hormone replacement therapy.
• Alcohol use.
• Obesity and high-fat diet.
• Environmental pollution.           
• Smoking.

Many other factors have been linked to breast cancer, but current studies have not validated the relationship with breast cancer. One commonly believed factor is the use of antiperspirants. A recent large epidemiological study found no increase in breast cancer in women who used underarm antiperspirants.

The key to surviving breast cancer is prevention and early detection. Early detection involves monthly breast self-examinations, annual mammograms and annual breast exams by health-care professionals. The American Cancer Society recommends women 40 and older have screening mammograms every year and continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. Women in their 20s and 30s should have clinical breast exams as part of a periodic health exam by a health professional every three years. Breast self-exam should begin when women are in their early 20s. Those at high risk should begin screening earlier. Early detection is the key to survival. Treatment has changed dramatically, with less surgery needed. Other treatment modalities have increased long-term survival or cure for many women.

What can you do?

Practice the three-pronged early detection discussed above, or encourage the women in your life to practice them. Also, encourage women who have or had sisters with breast cancer to get involved in research on breast cancer. A new study, The Sister Study, is being conducted on breast cancer. This study will explore environmental and genetic causes of the disease. Women ages 35 to 74 who have sisters who have faced breast cancer will be studied. Any woman who has a sister who has had breast cancer may call 1-877-4SISTER to join or help.

Information on breast cancer, self-exam, or related topics is available in the parish nurse office or online at www.cancer.org.