National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This October, Inlet Coastal Resort is proud to participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The goal of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to increase awareness, early detection, and treatment of breast cancer. Let’s talk about some of the facts. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation:
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers.
- 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
- There are over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the US
- Although rare, men can also get breast cancer. The lifetime risk for men in the US is about 1 in 1,000.
While this all seems very frightening, there is good news about breast cancer trends. The American Cancer Society reports that breast cancer death rates decline 40% from 1989 to 2016 among women due to awareness efforts, early detection and the significant drop in the number of prescriptions for Hormone Replacement Therapy.
As part of our mission to enhance the quality of life for our residents, in addition to sharing the facts about breast cancer, we think it is important to talk about some preventative methods to take to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Here’s what we know about breast cancer risk factors and what you can do to reduce those risks:
- Know your family tree! If you have a family history of breast cancer your risk is higher.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Women who have two or three alcoholic drinks a day have a 15% higher risk of developing breast cancer.
- Watch your BMI. Older overweight or obese women have an increased risk of breast cancer.
- Stay active! The American Cancer Society recommends all adults exercise for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity over the course of the week.
- Stop smoking! Smoking has been linked with an increased risk of breast cancer, among those who began smoking during adolescence and those with a family history of breast cancer.
- Get a mammogram! Mammography is the most effective screening tool used today to find breast cancer in most women. It is critical for women over the age of 40 to begin having mammograms taken once a year, and women ages 55 and older should receive a mammogram every two years.
In addition to knowing your risks and getting regular exams, it is important to be vigilant about breast health and cancer detection. If you are concerned that you or someone you love may be at risk for breast cancer or any other cancers, please consult with your primary care doctor.
