Breast Cancer - Big Y® World Class Market®

The diagnosis that strikes fear in the heart of every woman.

Breast cancer is the second-leading type of cancer in women in the United States (after skin cancer). A woman has a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer during her lifetime. This year it is estimated that more than 212,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and about 40,900 women will die. Though these statistics are startling, much has been done in the fight against breast cancer.

As a result of better awareness, early detection, new preventive drugs, advanced surgical procedures and treatment options, there are more than 2 million survivors of breast cancer today according to the American Cancer Society. Better yet, the five-year survival rate, after early-stage diagnosis and treatment, is over 90 percent.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What better time to continue to spread awareness about the benefits of mammograms for early detection, as well as to offer helpful information about how you can reduce your risk?

First Things First: Most Lumps are Not Cancer

Eight out of ten lumps are categorized as benign — they are not cancerous. Your breast density changes as you get older and some of the differences you see or feel are simply the normal developments that come with aging. However, if you do discover a lump in your breast or are experiencing pain or discoloration, don’t let fear keep you from taking action. It is very important that you see a physician because early detection is the best way to beat the disease.

Who’s at Risk?

Although we don’t know for certain, research and statistics show that certain conditions can increase your chances of getting breast cancer, so take a look at this list to see if anything applies to you or someone you know.

• Age. The number one risk factor is age, since your risk continues to increase as you get older.
• Personal History of Breast Cancer. Women who have had cancer in one breast face an increased risk of getting cancer in their other breast.
• Family History. A woman’s risk for developing breast cancer increases if her mother, sister or daughter has had breast cancer. However, most women do not have breast cancer in their family history.
• Late Childbearing. Women who have their first child after age 30 are at greater risk.
• Radiation Therapy. Women whose breasts were exposed to radiation therapy before age 30, due to x-rays or other medical conditions that require radiation, are at an increased risk.

Be Diligent About Early Detection

Real Promise, Real Hope
New advances in breast cancer detection and treatment

Taking preventative measures
The Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center participated in one of the largest clinical studies ever, called STAR, which compared two drugs used to prevent breast cancer — Tamoxifen and Raloxifene. The study was done to determine the effectiveness and side-effects of these drugs with post-menopausal women who were at high risk for breast cancer. The initial results of the study showed that both drugs resulted in a 50 percent reduction in breast cancer, and that Raloxifene had fewer side effects than Tamoxifen. Other prevention and screening studies are on-going.

Digital mammography approved by the FDA
A new digital mammography system has been approved by the FDA and may help make diagnosing breast cancer even easier. And with it’s cheaper price tag it may also help increase the amount of facilities offering this newer technology. This service is now available at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, Connecticut.

Yoga Enhancing Lifestyles
Women over 60 who were receiving radiation therapy for their breast cancer participated in a study which proved how yoga significantly improved their individual quality of life compared to patients who did not practice yoga. As a result of the relaxation and stretching techniques, the women experienced an increase in energy levels, a decrease in sleep deprivation and were more motivated to socialize and take part in physical activity.

Early Detection and Reducing Your Risk
Although there haven’t been any determinations on exactly what causes breast cancer, there are steps you can take to help decrease your risk.

• Regular Screenings. A clinical breast exam (a manual exam performed by your doctor) is recommended at least every three years between ages 20 and 39, then every year starting at age 40. Life-saving mammograms are also recommended, beginning at age 40, and digital mammography is recommended for women under 50 and women with dense breasts.
• Sensible Eating. Let’s face it, there is no one food, nutrient or supplement that can prevent you from getting cancer. However, what you eat can help reduce your risk. Though we all know the recommended dietary guidelines, it does bear repeating — five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day, along with low fat foods and limited red meat. In addition, restricting your total number of calories and maintaining a healthy body weight are important, since some research has shown a link between obesity and an increased breast cancer risk.
• Staying Active. There is evidence that exercising for 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week, in addition to maintaining a healthy body weight, can reduce your risk for breast cancer. Whether it’s brisk walking, jogging or an aerobic dance class, you can find an activity that is right for you.

National Mammography Day
The third Friday in October is National Mammography Day, when many radiology facilities offer discounted or even free mammogram screenings.

Here’s a list of organizations that can help you find participants in your area:

• In Massachusetts, call 877-414-4447 or go to the Women’s Health Network Web site at http://www.mass.gov/dph/fch/whn/index.htm for information on free screenings. For Connecticut visit http://www.dph.state.ct.us/bch/hei/bccedp_program_locations.htm or call 1-860-509-7804.
• American Cancer Society - 1-800-ACS-2345
• The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - 1-800-IM-AWARE
• National Cancer Institute - 1-800-4-CANCER
• Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center - 1-800-579-7822

Women with breast cancer often say that one of the best ways to live life to the fullest is to become knowledgeable. We hope that we have helped you gain a better understanding of breast cancer and the steps you can take to play an active role in ensuring your own good health.

This article was reviewed by Carolyn D. Runowicz, M.D., Director of the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the UConn Health Center and President of the American Cancer Society.

UConn Health Center
At the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, breast cancer patients receive state-of-the-art care from a team of experts such as oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, nutritionists, social workers, psychologists and other specialists. The Navigator Care Program also pairs breast cancer patients with trained volunteers who help them to “navigate” the different facets of their care. “No one should go through breast cancer alone,” says Carolyn D. Runowicz, M.D., director of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center and president of the American Cancer Society.

Breast Cancer: Myth or Fact
Myth: You won’t get breast cancer if it doesn’t run in your family.
Fact: This is a big one and something that too many women are convinced of, but in reality, about 90 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no history of it in their families.
Myth: Mammograms are painful and unsafe.
Fact: Of course, a mammogram is a bit uncomfortable — not many women would deny that — but it takes only a few minutes, and it is the best method of early detection. And a mammogram results in a very minimal exposure to radiation, so it is safe and very valuable to your health!

Healthy Recipes
There are many foods that are believed to reduce the risk of cancer. However, incorporating a healthy diet into your busy lifestyle isn’t always easy. Below we have included a list of foods recommended for reducing your risk of cancer and wholesome recipes to make it a little easier.

Basil Pesto Pasta and Tomatoes | Whole Wheat Black Bean Quesadillas

Recipe for Good Health
Your mother was right: You are what you eat. If you eat lots of whole grains, a variety of fruits and vegetables and include healthy fats in your diet, you can lower your chances of getting breast cancer. Here are some recommended food choices for a disease-fighting diet:

Whole Grains/High Fiber
Research shows that women who eat a high-fiber diet (whole grains, beans, peas and lentils) have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.

Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits like apples, pears and figs, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and kale, have been shown to provide an exceptional defense against cancer.

Healthy Fats
Get plenty of the healthful fats that you’ll find in salmon as well as flaxseed, canola and olive oils, which offer a great cancer-fighting punch!