Healthy Woman - Blog

Prevention in Pink: How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

October has historically been a month of black and orange, but these days, it’s more likely to be dominated by pink. Everywhere you look, you’ll see products emblazoned with the familiar pink ribbon logo, football players charging down the field in pink cleats, and even the White House swathed in pink light. It’s all to promote awareness of breast cancer, a disease that will be diagnosed for the first time in more than 230,000 women this year.

With so many of our mothers, friends, sisters, co-workers and daughters affected, it can be scary to contemplate that your breasts, once reminders of your strength and femininity, could turn against you. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk — and if you are affected, there are amazing support groups and organizations all across the country for survivors.

Some risk factors, like simply being female and aging, can’t be changed, but others can. Leading as healthy of a lifestyle as possible, with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise, is one great step you can take. Limiting your alcohol intake to less than a drink a day is another.

Routine screening is also an important component — the sooner cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute recommend yearly mammograms for women beginning at age 40. Those at increased risk due to a family history may want to be screened sooner, so talk to your doctor if this applies to you.

Women at a high risk may also want to consider BRAC Analysis, which will help determine if you have a gene associated with hereditary breast cancer. High risk governs women who have had breast before the age of 50 or ovarian cancer at an age; women who have a family history of breast cancer (on mother of father’s side—first, second or third degree relatives); women of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and more. (To find out if you’re at risk, click here.)

Shannon and Kyla Harris, two young sisters from Arizona, were definitely at risk—high risk. They had watched a number of women in their lives pass away from the disease. Understandably, they wanted to know what their odds were of meeting the same fate. When the results came back, Shannon, 24 at the time, tested positive. “It was a bit of a relief and I wasn’t at all surprised,” she says. “It was kind of like, okay, now I can figure out my options.”

For her, those options included a preventive mastectomy, a procedure many criticized as too drastic for someone Shannon’s age, but it’s a decision she doesn’t regret. Although breast cancer could still strike, she’s reduced the chances by more than 95 percent.

“I want to watch my son grow, and it’s just one less thing to worry about and stress about,” she says. “I feel great; it’s just a weight off my shoulders. I have a story to tell, I’ve met great people, and I feel stronger.”

It is important to note, however, that the majority of women get additional imaging over the course of time (MRIs and early and/or annual mammograms—both of which are usually covered by insurance) and are, thus, able to stay one step ahead of anything that may arise.

No matter what your experience with breast cancer, take some time this month to support any woman you know who’s been touched by the disease, reflect on what lifestyle changes you could make to give yourself the best shot at staying healthy, and wear that pink with pride.

About BRACAnalysis:

• It enables you to make important choices and take steps to reduce the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
• The results of the test can make a significant difference in your life and the lives of your family members, depending on your family history of cancer.
• The cost of the test is reimbursed by most insurance plans.

If you’re wondering if BRAC Analysis is right for you, visit www.BRACnow.com for more information.