Second to Nature

Tag: breast cancer risk

  • Breast Cancer Prevention News and Updates From Second to Nature

    Breast Cancer Prevention News and Updates From Second to Nature

    Breast Cancer Prevention News and Updates From Second to Nature

    Understanding Breast Cancer Risks to Raise Prevention and Awareness

    Here are some important breast cancer prevention news and updates from Second to Nature. We serve the Roanoke, Virginia, region with after breast cancer surgery fashions and other apparel for post-mastectomy wear. It is part of our mission to share some of the latest information to help our community.

    It is good to know that in spite of breast cancer prevalence, there are efforts to prevent breast cancer. Preventing breast cancer lowers the number of new cancer cases in our overall population. In short, breast cancer prevention helps reduce the number of deaths and the burden of cancer on all of us.

    Some of the better-known cancer risk factors are:

    • A personal history of breast cancer or benign (noncancer) breast disease
    • Dense breast tissue
    • Drinking alcohol
    • Inherited risk of breast cancer
    • Obesity
    • Older age
    • Radiation therapy to the breast or chest
    • Reproductive history resulting in greater exposure to estrogen
    • Taking hormone therapy for symptoms of menopause

    We know cancer, in itself, is not a single disease. Rather, it is group of related diseases. The cancer occurs as a response of our genetics, lifestyle, or environment. We can understand that our risk for cancer is a combination of these assorted factors.

    Finding the Right Balance of Risks and Protective Factors

    In short, we can call anything that increases our chance of developing cancer a risk. On the other side of the coin, anything that decreases our chance is a ‘cancer protective factor.’ As a person aware of these risks, we can avoid many of them. However, we cannot avoid each and every one of the risks.

    Consider the examples of smoking and genetic risks. We may choose to avoid cancer risk by not smoking. Genetic risk is one risk factor that we may not be able to avoid as a matter of choice. One preventative measure we can all choose to do is regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Although we may be successful in being healthy, it may not prevent all types of cancer. This is also why regular breast checks and mammograms are so crucial to health and wellness.

    These are known protective factors for breast cancer:

    • Aromatase inhibitors and inactivators
    • Estrogen-only hormone therapy after hysterectomy
    • Getting enough exercise
    • Ovarian ablation
    • Reproductive history resulting in less exposure to estrogen
    • Risk-reducing or prophylactic mastectomy
    • Selective estrogen receptor modulators
    • Taking estrogen-only hormone therapy after hysterectomy, selective estrogen receptor modulators, or aromatase inhibitors and inactivators

    Different Ways to Prevent Cancer Under Study

    Researchers continue to study different ways to prevent cancer. This is one of the more positive pieces of news we can share. This continuing quest continues due to the ongoing support of many cancer survivors and their families.

    For example, it is unclear whether such things as hormonal contraceptives or other environmental chemicals have a role in breast cancer risk. Some studies show that certain factors have little or no effect on breast cancer risk. These continuing studies and clinical trials, and their results, are vital to our knowledge base.

    Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials

    As we mention above, researchers use cancer prevention clinical trials to study ways to prevent cancer. These trials are science-based and give us all solid evidence of what does work, what does not, and what has little effect. The growing evidence of what works to prevent cancer is proof “positive” that there are breast cancer treatments that work.

    Because so many cancer survivors have been successful with various treatments, some of them are worthy of a deeper look. These include:

    • Changing lifestyle or eating habits
    • Avoiding things known to cause cancer
    • Taking medicine to treat a precancerous condition or to keep cancer from starting
    • Risk-reducing surgery

    As we understand more about cancer and prevention options, an increasing number of those most at risk can feel hopeful. A cancer diagnosis in the past was perceived as a kind of death sentence. Today, with so much more being done with research and awareness to promote prevention, surviving is now viewed as achievable.

    Doing Our Part for Breast Cancer Prevention

    Everyone can do their part to maintain awareness of the risks and new discoveries related to breast cancer prevention. The American Cancer Society dedicates many articles on breast cancer studies and related topics. Still, many Americans seek additional support relating to breast cancer. The ACS provides the Reach To Recovery program, where volunteers help patients cope with treatment, side effects, and more.

    The staff at Second to Nature is also here as a local resource. Give us a call with any questions you may have for yourself or a loved one. Together, we can all support each other on breast cancer prevention on every step of the road.

    Contact Second to Nature for education and support of persons experiencing breast cancer before and after surgery. We are located in the Woodhaven Office Park, at 5450 Peters Creek Road. Call for an appointment at (540) 366-2711 or use our contact form. Follow us on Facebook for specials and breast cancer prevention news and updates from Second to Nature.

  • Breast Cancer in Young Women and How to Lower the Risks

    Breast Cancer in Young Women and How to Lower the Risks

    Breast Cancer in Young Women and How to Lower the Risks

    Focusing on Ways Young Women Can Lower the Risk of Breast Cancer

    This month we explore education relating to breast cancer in young women. Young women can carry a significant risk for this disease. Ours is a business focused on supporting women through the often significant health challenges. In our blog this month, Second to Nature would like to focus on ways young women can lower their risk.

    We realize that suspecting and receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a difficult time at any age. But receiving a breast cancer diagnosis as a young woman can put one’s life off-balance. Dealing with a significant health problem like breast cancer can impact home and work relationships. This can feel especially stifling just when many young women are starting to establish themselves.

    Most breast cancers are found in women over age 50, but about 11 percent of all new cases in the U.S. are in women younger than 45. If you are in the under-45 age group, this message is for you. If you know a woman under 45, share this information with them about breast cancer risks and ways to lower the risk.

    First, Determine If You May Have a Higher Risk

    There are certain questions you can ask yourself to determine if you could fall in the higher risk category. A woman under age 45 may have a higher breast cancer risk if the answer is yes to any of these:

    1. Do you have any close relatives diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, significantly at age 45 or younger?
    2. Do you have changes in certain breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2)?
    3. Are you of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage?
    4. Did you receive radiation therapy/treatment to the breast or chest in childhood or early adulthood?
    5. Do you have breast cancer or other breast health problems – for example, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), atypical ductal hyperplasia, or atypical lobular hyperplasia?

    You may only be able to find answers to some of these questions with the help and guidance of a doctor. Your healthcare professional may refer you to a genetic counselor to check for the breast cancer genes. The doctor may also recommend early screenings or offer other regimens, such as medicine or surgery, that can lower the risk.

    Second, Average Risk as a Young Woman Still Requires Diligence

    If you did not answer “yes” to any of the questions above, you still carry an average risk of getting breast cancer at a young age. This average risk implies the importance of managing the risk actively. So, it is vitally important to know how your breasts normally look and feel.

    Speak with your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts. We defined some important breast health changes in our blog last month. A breast cancer diagnosis can feel especially devastating, and there are various factors that cause breast cancer in young women. Managing average risk with diligence can help catch cancerous changes in the breast early before they spread.

    What More Can Young Women Do to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk?

    We said before there can be several factors that influence breast cancer risk. Most young women who develop breast cancer do not have any known risk factors or history of the disease in their families. You can take heart in knowing there are also ways to reduce breast cancer risk.

    If you are a young woman under age 45, keep these ways to reduce breast cancer risk in mind:

    Maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly.
    Keep an eye on the healthiest weight for your body. Be sure to exercise at least four hours a week. Make these two things a vital part of your way of life as a young woman. You will be sure to stoke your metabolism and reap positive health benefits.

    Limit alcoholic drinks to no more than one per day.
    Some young women never get into the habit of drinking alcohol. However, this may not be the case in some households, and there are studies showing the benefits of drinking a glass of red wine. The takeaway from this and other studies is to limit wine to one glass or one drink per day containing alcohol.

    Avoid exposure to cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens).
    Contact with a carcinogen raises your breast cancer risk. So, whether it is first- or second-hand smoke, or some other toxic substance, avoid exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. If you cannot avoid these completely, determine ways to reduce the risk as much as possible.

    A Few Additional Ways to Reduce Cancer Risk

    Reduce exposure to radiation (tests, scans).
    Younger women at higher risk for radiation exposure include a number working on the front lines of healthcare. Do all you can to ensure your safety during medical tests and scans. Talk with your healthcare professional about your concerns when scheduling mammograms, X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans.

    Know the risks of hormonal therapies and contraceptives.
    Many young women benefit from prescribed hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills (oral contraceptives). If you are taking either of these substances or have in the past, ask your doctor about the breast cancer risks to decide if these may have an impact on your health.

    Breastfeed your babies, if possible.
    The long-standing assertion that “breast is best” holds true here. For mothers who are able to nurse their babies by breastfeeding, it offers a boost in reducing breast cancer risk. Empower your breastfeeding knowledge and journey by contacting the La Leche League USA for information and support.

    Support for Young Women with Breast Cancer at Second to Nature

    Second to Nature in Roanoke, Virginia, provides dedicated support for women of all ages undergoing breast cancer. We specialize in breast forms and after breast cancer surgery fashions that restore confidence and well-being.

    For more information on breast cancer and risks for young women, visit the CDC website.

    Contact Second to Nature for an appointment at (540) 366-2711 or use our contact form. We are located in Roanoke in the Woodhaven Office Park, at 5450 Peters Creek Road. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news and specials.We are dedicated to breast cancer education and empowerment on breast cancer in young women.