October is recognized across the country as Breast Cancer Awareness month—and it’s the perfect time to schedule a wellness appointment with your OB-GYN to evaluate your health. Your doctor may conduct a clinical breast exam, when they’ll ask questions about possible symptoms, changes, and your personal and family medical history. An OB-GYN will also typically perform a routine physical examination, and, depending on those results, may suggest mammography for a closer look at your breast tissues. 

As you prepare for your appointment, you should consider the following information on breast cancer and how it affects the American population today.

Breast Cancer Affects 1 in 8 Women

Approximately 12% of the women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer at some point during their lifetime. You should never assume that breast cancer can’t happen to you—which is why it’s essential to conduct regular screening. You should monitor any changes that occur in your breasts, such as dimpling or shifts in breast shape or size, and communicate those developments with your OB-GYN. 

Breast Cancer Can Also Affect Men

Though not as common, men are also at risk for developing breast cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 2,470 new cases of invasive breast cancer will occur in men this year.

Cancer Sometimes Runs in Families

Just like diabetes and high blood pressure, certain familial genes can make a person predisposed to developing breast cancer. About 5% to 10% of cases are caused by inherited genetic mutations from the patient’s mother or father. If you’re concerned about a strong family history of the disease, you can get tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are the most common mutations that lead to breast cancer.

Other Factors Can Put You at Risk for Breast Cancer

The two most significant risk factors for breast cancer are your age and sex. Women over the age of 55 are more likely to have an invasive form of breast cancer than any other demographic. Other lifestyle factors can also affect your potential for developing the disease, including hormonal therapy, alcohol use, and physical activity levels. It’s important to understand even if you have one or multiple risk factors, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll develop breast cancer. There are also steps you can take to mitigate the danger, such as maintaining a healthy BMI and abstaining from alcohol. 

You Can Beat It

There are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. Early detection is one of the best ways to treat the disease while it’s still in the early stages. 

If you live in Fairfield or Liberty Township, OH, and want to schedule an appointment with an OB-GYN to discuss your breast health, you’ll find compassionate care at Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates. Dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive care for women at all stages of life, OBGYN Associates first opened in 1940 and continues to offer the most advanced treatments and diagnostic tools, including genetic testing. To learn more about the practice, visit their website. To schedule an appointment in Fairfield or Liberty Township, call (513) 221-3800 today.