October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a great time to talk to your medical provider about examinations and educate yourself on the risk factors, symptoms, and diagnosis of this disease. The following guide will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about breast cancer. 

What Patients Should Know About Breast Cancer

What causes it?

This cancer is caused by the growth of abnormal cells in the breasts. It often starts in the breast ducts or glandular tissue, then spreads to other parts of the body.

While experts are not able to pinpoint one central cause of the condition, they believe it stems from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 

Who is at an increased risk?

While about 1% of breast cancer patients are men, the disease is much more common in women. Your risk increases with age, especially if you have a family history of the disease. Genetic abnormalities like the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes may increase your risk for both breast and ovarian cancer.

Other risk factors include being overweight, leading an inactive lifestyle, smoking and drinking, starting menstruation before age 12, starting menopause before age 50, and radiation exposure. 

What are the early signs?

Breast cancer may not cause symptoms at its earliest stages, so it’s always important to see your medical provider for an annual breast exam or mammogram.

There are some signs to watch out for as well. Breast cancer can cause a lump in the breast, skin dimpling, skin irritation, swelling, nipple pain or discharge, nipple retraction, or scaliness of the skin. If you notice any changes in the appearance of your chest, schedule an exam.

How do medical providers test for this?

During breast exams, they feel your breasts and surrounding lymph nodes for abnormalities. Other screening options include mammograms, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biopsy. Your provider might recommend a combination of these screening methods depending on your age and risk factors. 

How can you prevent it?

While you can’t fully prevent breast cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk by leading a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, not smoking, limiting alcohol use, and maintaining a healthy weight can help control your risk. 

Seeing your medical provider for frequent tests increases your chances of early detection, which can improve the odds of eliminating cancer. 

If you want to discuss your breast cancer risk factors, the medical providers at Hillside Family Medicine in Anchorage, AK, are happy to assist. In addition to a quality women’s health clinic, they offer men’s health, pediatric care, occupational medicine, vaccinations, contraceptive procedures, and wellness exams. You can visit them online to view a full list of their services, or call (907) 344-0200 option 1 for the front desk and scheduling to make an appointment.