SURRELL

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed to raise awareness about this disease and to promote early detection. It is extremely important that every adult woman be informed of the risk for breast cancer and to follow the recommended screening guidelines.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States each year. About 32% of all newly diagnosed cancers in USA women are breast cancer. In 2025, it is estimated that approximately 317,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, with about 59,000 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is non-invasive. About 16% of women with breast cancer are younger than 50 years of age. About 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage, before cancer has spread outside of the breast, when treatments tend to work better.

Family history is a very important factor with regard to breast cancer risk. Be very aware that the risk of this all-too-common cancer is doubled among women if a first degree relative (mother or sister) was diagnosed with breast cancer. With more than one first degree relative with breast cancer, the risk goes up even more. Also be aware that smoking increases the risk of developing breast cancer by at least an additional 16%.

Let’s put this into perspective. A woman born in the USA today has a 13% chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. If her mother or sister had breast cancer, she now has approximately a 26% chance of developing breast cancer, and if she also smokes, she now has a 42% chance of developing breast cancer. In other words, smoking is a very important factor that dramatically increases this cancer risk. Further, to also minimize risk, a woman must absolutely avoid second-hand smoke, which is also very dangerous! Never let anyone (family members included) smoke in your house, in your car, or anywhere near you. In addition to family history and tobacco abuse, there are additional factors that increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer, including obesity, alcohol abuse, radiation exposure, and a previous personal diagnosis of cancer of the uterus, ovaries, or colon cancer.

What about screening? The goal of breast cancer screening is to diagnosis this cancer early, before it has a chance to grow, or to spread to other sites in the body. Screening includes mammograms, self breast exam, and health care provider breast exam. Of course, early detection will offer the best chance for cure. Screening mammograms are recommended starting at age 40. Based on family history or clinical examination, it may be recommended to start at an earlier age and individual recommendations may be readily obtained from your health care provider.

How is breast cancer treated? The specific treatment recommendations will be based on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. This will likely include initial surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy) to remove the cancer, and may possibly also include subsequent surgical breast reconstruction. Depending on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis, additional treatment may also include radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and other treatments as well.

Bottom line – Follow your health care provider’s recommendations for breast cancer screening, including mammograms, self breast exam, and professional provider breast exams. A family history of this cancer doubles the risk of personally developing breast cancer, so it is very important to know your family medical history for first degree relatives. This will influence the recommendations made to you regarding cancer screening guidelines. Be sure to share this information with your health care provider and with other family members. Don’t smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke. Follow the screening recommendations made to you and this may potentially save your life!