With the return of pumpkin spice lattes, oversized sweaters and all other things fall, it’s easy to overlook the importance of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the CDC, around 255,000 women in the United States get diagnosed with breast cancer every year, with around 40,000 of those dying from the disease.
Breast cancer is a disease where the cells in breast tissue turn malignant (“bad”) and can sometimes even metastasize (spread) throughout the body. This is most common in women, as the second most common cancer that women can get.
As a pre-medical student, I can’t help but stress the importance of such a month to those willing to listen. In fact, I spent a few months as a medical assistant to Dr. Lori Kaler, an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB/GYN) in Northern Bethesda. Through this experience, I supported Dr. Kaler as she performed annual physical exams, emergency checkups, in-patient procedures, and other elements of patient care. During annual well-women checkups, I observed Dr. Kaler perform breast examinations on patients and write referrals for mammograms for women above the age of 40 or with a history of breast cancer.
Some factors, such as a genetic history of cancer, cannot be changed. However, through my experience at Dr. Kaler’s office, I’ve realized how lifestyle choices can be altered to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer. In particular, the CDC suggests exercise, a healthy diet and limiting alcohol, among other things. It’s also incredibly important to get annual wellness examinations done with your Primary Care Physician or Gynecologist, and once at an older age, it is important to be screened regularly for breast cancer through mammograms.
It’s also important to know what your “normal” breast tissue feels like so that when performing the recommended once-a-month breast self-examination, you will know if there is something potentially abnormal in your tissue. The good news is that with these early detection measures, the prognosis of a cancer diagnosis is quite promising, with a higher chance of recovery and eventual remission if caught early enough.
With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s especially important to take the time to spread awareness and understanding of breast cancer and how it can be potentially prevented! It’s never too late to start those self-examinations and make an appointment with your doctor!