Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign that shines a spotlight on the reality of breast cancer and the many lives it affects. People share personal stories on social media, post statistics and infographics, and wear pink ribbons to bring attention to the important cause of fighting breast cancer.
But what can an individual actually do with that awareness? Breast cancer can affect anyone, which is why being proactive is such an important part of prevention and early detection. For some women, sticking to a mammogram schedule as provided by a physician is where the action begins and ends. For many men, the thought of developing breast cancer isn’t even considered a possibility. But the reality is that there are many real, concrete actions that both women and men can take to be proactive with their health this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- Learn what is normal for you
Breast cancer is commonly associated with a new lump or mass, which is why it’s important to pay attention to one’s own body and keep an eye out for any sudden changes. Healthcare providers typically advise women to pay attention to sudden changes such as a new lump, nipple changes, skin changes, or persistent discomfort. The existence of any of these changes is not a sure sign of breast cancer (nor is the lack of symptoms an indication of being cancer-free), but staying vigilant allows one to begin dialogue with their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- Keep up with recommended screening
Screening mammograms detect changes in breast tissue even before the emergence of symptoms. Doctors typically recommend yearly mammograms starting at age 40, but those with higher risk are often encouraged to begin screening earlier. Whatever one’s doctor recommends, it’s important to stay on top of regular screenings and communicate all risk factors to one’s healthcare provider.
- Know your family history
One of the risk factors for breast cancer is the presence of a family history of the disease. Having a parent, sibling, or child who has been diagnosed with breast cancer can put one at higher risk of the disease. It’s important to know what type of cancer a family member has had as well as when they were diagnosed. Also, certain genetic mutations such as those related to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can be associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, so it can be helpful to know one’s genetic profile to determine if there’s increased risk.
- Consider genetic testing
The only way to detect genetic mutations in the body is through genetic testing. Hereditary cancer testing can look for inherited genetic changes associated with increased cancer risk. While these genetic mutations do not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer or that one will definitely develop cancer, they can provide one’s healthcare provider with important information that may encourage them to pursue earlier screening.
“Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to explain what each kind of screening is designed to do,” said Karen Grinzaid, MS, CGC, Executive Director of jscreen. “A hereditary cancer test cannot diagnose breast cancer, and it should never be viewed as a substitute for routine breast screening. What it can do is reveal inherited risk that may help a person and their healthcare team make a more personalized plan.”
jscreen.org, a national nonprofit public health initiative, is one of several companies that offer affordable, at-home genetic testing kits. The basic process of genetic testing includes:
- Registering or ordering a test online.
- Providing a saliva sample and mailing it off to be analyzed.
- Receiving and reviewing the results in a personalized session with a licensed genetic counselor.
It’s important to note that tools like genetic testing are not meant to replace tools like mammograms. Instead, they can provide a starting point for discussion with a doctor, which may lead to earlier screenings and other proactive decision-making.
No single step provides every answer to whether one has or will develop breast cancer, but the willingness to take action is the key to proactive care. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take a small step in the right direction, whether that’s scheduling an overdue appointment, asking a relative about family history, or looking into genetic testing. It’s never too early to start taking an active role in one’s healthcare decisions.
