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Breast cancer: Know the risks, watch for symptoms By
Nicole R. Grubbs Breast cancer is a disease without prejudice. It goes beyond color boundaries, it affects the young and old, the wealthy and poor, and men and women. Pauline Read was 44 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. "I didn't know that I was at risk," she said. "I wasn't aware of a family history, but now I know it can strike anyone." There is nothing a woman can do to ensure that she will not get breast cancer. However, scientists have discovered some risk factors: Obesity, alcohol abuse, long-term hormone therapy, early onset of menstruation and late onset of menopause, having no children or giving birth at a later age and family history all have been indicated as contributors. As more studies are conducted about what causes cancer, the theories become more outlandish, according to an article from The Floridian. A Seattle study recently published found that women who work nights and who are frequently awake during early-morning hours may be at increased risk. Results are preliminary, but researchers believe nighttime exposure to light may suppress production of melatonin, a brain hormone, and increase levels of estrogen, which stimulates growth of breast tissue, including cancer cells. Another study, reported by the Associated Press in September, found that women who are physically active, whether doing chores around the house or hustling on the job, reduce their chances of getting cancer. Unclear from the mid-1990s research is whether activity resulted in a healthier body weight, already recognized as a factor in preventing disease, or if there were other beneficial life choices made by the women in the Canadian study. These risk factors account for only small increases in the odds. Until there is a cure or something concrete to rely on it is important to realize the immediate effects the disease has on people. About 3 million women in the United States are living with breast cancer: 2 million who have been diagnosed and an estimated 1 million who do not yet know they have the disease, according to the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Close to 40,000 women die of breast cancer each year in the United States and approximately 400 men will die of the disease this year. With those figures, it is imperative that women and men learn how to protect themselves from the advancement of cancer. Performing monthly self-exams is the most important thing that women can do to detect breast cancer, according to Deb Flansburg, a certified nurse/midwife in Cache Valley. "This is the No. 1 best thing, you or your partner will find [a lump]," she said. Women should make sure they are getting yearly physicals at the doctor, Flansburg said. "They're inconvenient and not fun, but they may save your life." It is also important for women over 40 to get yearly mammograms. In addition, any woman whose mother or sister had breast cancer at an early age is advised to have mammograms before age 40. For those people that have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are struggling to survive, there are many support groups around for help. On-line there is a plethora of sources to help people cope with the disease. Yahoo's Breast Cancer Support Group boasts a membership of over 700 people worldwide. It is free to join and members hold live chat sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. For more information log on to breast guide.com. The Breast Cancer Center is a site that not only offers an emotional support group, but has information about the disease and new research. Another support group is the Breast Cancer Action Group. Their mission is "giving a voice to people with breast cancer." For those people whose lives are altered because someone they know has cancer there are also places for them to find support. One such group was started by a man in Denver after he lost his wife to the disease, according to an article in the Rocky Mountain News. The Denver's Red Meat and Cigar Club came up with the idea for the fund-raiser to get men actively involved in the fight against breast cancer. "My late wife would be embarrassed by all of this attention, but I do this so my 4-year-old son, Connor, won't lose his wife to cancer when he grows up and gets married," John Thompson told the paper. "Guys like to fix things," Thompson added. "I couldn't fix this, but I can do my best to raise men's awareness about breast cancer." Read said, "Everyone should be aware about the potential of breast cancer. It can affect your life or the life of someone you love."
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