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Cancer Awareness

This guide is designed to provide comprehensive resources and information on cancer awareness, with a special focus on breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Here, you’ll find trusted sources for understanding the risks, recognizing early sym

More About Breast Cancer

The American Cancer Society estimates that 211,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed this year, with 43,300 patients expected to die from the disease. For every 100 women diagnosed with breast cancer, 1 man will also develop the disease. This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast cancer is not contagious; you cannot catch it from someone who has the disease. Additionally, it is not caused by wearing underwire bras, using implants, applying deodorants or antiperspirants, undergoing mammograms, consuming caffeine, using plastic food containers, or exposure to microwaves or cell phones, despite common myths to the contrary. Source

Men can also develop breast cancer. This year, about 2,800 men are expected to be diagnosed, with 530 predicted to die from the disease. Although the risk is lower for men compared to women, they should perform regular breast self-exams and report any changes to their doctors. Breast cancer in men is often detected as a hard lump under the nipple or areola. Men have a 19% higher mortality rate than women, largely due to lower awareness and delays in seeking treatment. Source

  • Gender: Women are nearly 100 times more likely to develop breast cancer than men.
  • Age: Most women (two-thirds) are diagnosed after age 55.
  • Race: Caucasian women are diagnosed with breast cancer more frequently than women of other races.
  • Family History: A family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially if a relative was diagnosed before age 50, increases your risk.
  • Personal Health History: Previous breast cancer or detection of abnormal cells like atypical hyperplasia, LCIS, or DCIS heightens risk.
  • Menstrual and Reproductive History: Early menstruation, late menopause, having a first child later in life, or not having children can raise risk.
  • Genetic Mutations: Mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase risk and be passed to children; genetic testing may be considered if there's a family history.
  • Dense Breast Tissue: Dense breasts can increase risk and make detection harder; discuss with your physician if you have dense breast tissue.
    Source
  • Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle increases breast cancer risk. Even 20 minutes of exercise daily can help reduce this risk.
  • Poor Diet: Diets high in saturated fats and low in fruits and vegetables raise risk. Aim for 3.5 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily.
  • Being Overweight or Obese: Being overweight, especially after menopause, increases breast cancer risk.
  • Drinking Alcohol: Frequent alcohol consumption raises breast cancer risk; higher intake means greater risk.
  • Radiation to the Chest: Radiation therapy to the chest before age 30 increases breast cancer risk, making it an environmental risk factor.
  • Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT for menopause can increase breast cancer risk and lead to later-stage detection. Consult your doctor about its benefits and risks. Source

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