October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Photo Courtesty / Ted Fu

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is a time of solidarity aimed at increasing awareness of breast cancer and garnering support for early detection and treatment for this disease. This is also a time to celebrate survivors of breast cancer and enhance funding for breast cancer research.

The most fundamental way to increase our own awareness of this disease is to educate ourselves on what breast cancer is.

There are two broad categories of breast cancer type: in situ and invasive. In situ accounts for uncontrolled cell growth in the breast ducts. Invasive breast cancer is not contained in the ducts; it infiltrates surrounding breast tissue and can metastasize, or spread to other parts of your body.

According to the annual study conducted by the American Cancer Society, there will be 231,840 new cases of breast cancer in women and 40,290 estimated deaths due to breast cancer for the year of 2015. Breast cancer accounts for 29 percent of newly diagnosed cancers and although it is rare, breast cancer can occur in men as well. In 2015, there is an estimated 2,350 new cases of breast cancer in men and 440 breast cancer deaths in men.

Clearly, the stakes are high and the impact is widespread. It is common to have a loved one or know someone who has or had breast cancer. According to the Surveillance and Health Services Research done by the American Cancer Society in 2013, 79 percent of new cases and 88 percent of breast cancer deaths occur in women over the age of 50.

In a 2012 study conducted by the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result Program, it was found the non-Hispanic white women had the highest incidence rate for breast cancer.

There are many risk factors associated with breast cancer.  Some risks include genetic predisposition, endogenous hormone levels, and breast density. Other risks are related to lifestyle, including postmenopausal hormone therapy, obesity, lack of physical activity, poor diet, alcohol and tobacco use and environmental pollutants.

In relation to lifestyle risk factors, we can exert significant influence on preventing the development of breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, consuming a nutritionally balanced diet and remaining physically active throughout our lifetime.

The key to treating in cancer is early detection. This means perceiving your own risks and seeking the help of a medical professional. Performing self-examination of one’s breasts and surrounding areas can be helpful in detecting any abnormalities. Abnormalities include swelling, lumps, redness, change in size or shape of breasts, pain and nipple discharge.

In general, cancer is defined as uncontrollable cell growth. Mutations in genes can cause cancer by overriding mechanisms that inhibit checkpoints that regulate and monitor the normal functioning of cells.

For example, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins. These proteins assist in damaged DNA repair and consequently preserve the genome. If there is a mutation in these genes, the tumor suppressors proteins would be functionally impaired or not produced at all.

Specific mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can be inherited and increase risk of breast cancer in individuals.

According to a 1999 study done by Douglas F. Easton, over 80 percent of families with six or more cases of breast cancer were linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

This month, let’s raise awareness for breast cancer by learning more about the disease, educating our loved ones who might be at risk, and taking the steps towards a healthier future.

Encourage your family members and friends, especially those who have greater risk, to undergo screening and mammograms to detect breast cancer early on. This is especially pertinent for those who are over 50 years of age and who have family history of breast cancer.

Health care disparities are a problem when it comes to educating and treating Houston’s diverse population. However, the Susan G. Komen-Houston affiliate has produced a master list of locations where you can get a mammogram for free or at reduced cost here: http://www.komen-houston.org/media/files/resource/cdc79f40/2015-08_mammogram_flyer.pdf