October 21, 2023 Issue, Page 13 of 14

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October 21, 2023 The Elk City News- 13 CL Breast Cancer AWARENESS MONTH Saluting Survivors Encouraging Awareness Remembering Loved Ones During National Breast Awareness Month, we stand together in our support for a cure and our supportfor the women who are faced Cancer Yo) For more information about breast cancer prevention, early detection and support for a cure, please visit the National Breast Cancer with the disease. By encouraging Foundation online at breast cancer research and raising www.nationalbreastcancer.org. awareness of the importance of early detection, we can all help save lives. WO It is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and that more than 40,000 of these women will die. Breast cancer is a threato women of all ages, races and walks of life. Even men are at risk for breast cancer, with approximately 1,700 men diagnosed each year. These numbers remind us why it is so important to know the signs, symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer is the best weapon against the disease, which means breast self-exams should be performed & regularly, with clinical breast exams every one to three years. By the age of 40, women should | begin getting mammograms every one to two years. In addition, healthy lifestyle habits like physical activity, not smoking, minimizing alcohol intake and consuming plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help women reduce their risk factors. 7 ways to reduce breast cancer risk Many women are concerned about the potential for de- be the limit. The more a woman drinks, the greater her risk veloping breast cancer in their lifetimes. Breast cancer is of developing breast cancer, states the Mayo Clinic. the second-most common cancer among women in the 4. Undergo genetic counseling and testing. Women con- United States and Canada. Despite that prevalence, there cerned about a genetic connection or family history of are ways for women to reduce their risk for breast cancer. breast cancer can speak to their doctor about testing and While it is impossible to change family history or genetic counseling that could help them reduce their risk. Preven- markers like gene mutations that increase breast cancer tive medicines and surgeries might help those at elevated risk, the following are seven ways women can lower their risk for breast cancer, tisk, 5, Limit hormone therapy. Combination hormone re- 1. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. placement therapy for post-menopausal women may Physical activity and monitoring calories can keep weight increase risk of breast cancer, indicates the Centers for in check. The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 150 min- Disease Control and Prevention. Similarly, taking oral con- utes per week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes traceptives during reproductive years may increase risk. per week of vigorous aerobic activity. Strength training at Women can speak with their physicians to weigh the pros least twice a week also is recommended. Being overweight and cons of taking such hormones. or obese increases a woman's risk for breast cancer. 6. Breastfeed children, if possible. Breastfeeding has 2. Consume a healthy diet. ‘The link between diet and been linked to reducinga woman's risk of developing breast breast cancer risk is still being studied. However, research cancer. suggests that a diet high in vegetables and fruit, and calci- 7. Learn to detect breast cancer. Women should get to um-rich dairy products, but low in red and processed meats know their bodies so they can determine if something is may lower breast cancer risk. awry as early as possible. Early detection of breast cancer 3. Avoid or limit alcohol consumptions. Alcohol increas- increases the chances that treatment will prove successful. es risk of breast cancer, even in small amounts. For those Women can embrace various strategies to reduce their who drink, no more than one alcoholic drink a day should risk of developing breast cancer.