Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — Breast cancer is a potentially deadly disease that affects approximately 245,000 women each year in the U.S. and causes more than 44,000 to lose their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, it is estimated that one in eight women in the United States (12%) will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Hispanic/Latina women and the leading cause of cancer death among this ethnic group in the U.S., according to Susan G. Komen, a non-profit organization that strives to raise public awareness about breast cancer, treatment and prevention.
Hispanic/Latina women may have lower incidences of breast cancer than non-Hispanic women, but they are often diagnosed at later stages, according to the American Cancer Society. Being diagnosed with stage three and four breast cancer means Hispanic/Latina women have significantly lower five-year survival rates, which is why early detection is so important.
With October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s vitally important for Hispanic/Latina women to have a better understanding of the symptoms, causes and importance of early detection that in many cases can be the difference between life and death, according to a health expert.
“Not only is breast cancer the leading cause of cancer deaths in Hispanic/Latina women living in the U.S., as it is for all women in America, but the disease tends to affect Hispanic/Latina women at a younger age and is more aggressive in them than in many other ethnic populations,” said Dr. Liz Diaz-Querol, Physician in Charge of Kaiser Permanente Oxnard Medical Offices.
“Next to skin cancer, breast cancer impacts more women than any other form of cancer in the U.S.,” said Dr. Diaz-Querol. “Early detection saves lives, however, because it is the best way to diagnose the disease when it’s easier to treat, and before it reaches an advanced stage that often can lead to more serious complications, including death.”
Most breast cancers are found in women who are age 50 or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women, according to the CDC. About 10% of all new cases of breast cancer in the U.S. are found in women younger than 45 years of age. Men also can get breast cancer, but it’s not very common. Less than 1% of breast cancers occur in men, the CDC reports.
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an organization made up of doctors and disease experts who look at research on the best way to prevent diseases and make recommendations on how doctors can help patients avoid diseases or find them early, recommends that women who are age 50 to 74 and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor about when to start and how often to get a mammogram. Before age 50, the USPSTF encourages women to weigh the benefits and risks of screening tests when deciding whether to begin getting mammograms before age 50.
“Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat, said Dr. Diaz-Querol. “Talk to your doctor about breast cancer screening.”
What Are the Symptoms?
According to the CDC, there are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some women have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include:
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
• Pain in any area of the breast.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).
• A new lump in the breast or underarm.
“If you have any signs that worry you, see your doctor right away,” Dr. Diaz-Querol said.
Breast Cancer Risks
The CDC notes many factors over the course of a lifetime can influence your breast cancer risk. You may not be able to change some factors, such as getting older or your family history, but you can help lower your risk of breast cancer by taking care of your health in the following ways:
• If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about other ways to lower your risk.
• Keep a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Don’t drink alcohol, or limit alcoholic drinks.
• If you are taking, or have been told to take hormone replacement or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the risks and find out if it is right for you.
• If possible, breastfeed your children.
“Staying healthy throughout your life will lower your risk of developing breast cancer and other diseases, and will also improve your chances of surviving cancer if it occurs,” Dr. Diaz-Querol said.