Reducing Your Risk for Breast Cancer Common myths about breast cancer abound, relayed through word of mouth and the Internet, often frightening women unnecessarily. Despite the rumors, you can’t get breast cancer from electric blankets, deodorant, microwave oven use, or underwire bras, says the American Cancer Society (ACS). An American woman has a 1-in-8 chance of developing invasive breast cancer, but overall lifetime risk increases dramatically after age 40. Some things like age and genetics can’t be changed, but here are some ways you can help reduce your breast cancer risk. Risk factors for breast cancer include: • Genetics. Five to 10 percent of cases of breast cancer are hereditary, as a result of changes in genes (mutations). • Family history of breast cancer. Having one first-degree relative (a mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer about doubles a woman’s risk. • Previous breast cancer. A woman who has cancer in one breast is at higher risk for developing a new cancer in the other breast, or in another part of the same breast. • Race. White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than other groups. Asian, Hispanic, and Native American women have a lower risk. • Menstruation history. Women who started their periods when they were younger than 12 and/or who went through menopause after age 55 are at slightly higher risk for breast cancer. • Combined hormone therapy. Use of estrogen and progesterone, called combined hormone therapy (HT), for as little as two years puts a woman at higher risk. • Obesity. Risk appears to increase for women who gained weight after menopause, but not for those who have been overweight since childhood. • Alcohol. Risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Be sure to tell all your health care providers that you may have an increased risk if any of these apply to you. Get screning mamograms A mammogram won’t reduce your risk for breast cancer, but it can help detect the disease in its early, most treatable stages. T he ACS recommends yearly screening for all women ages 40 and older. The Women’s I maging C enter at St. Joseph H ealth, Queen of the Valley M edical C enter, brings the latest imaging technology including digital mammography, DE XA bone density scans, and stereotactic biopsy techniques—all together in one place. Queen of the V alley was recently awarded a T hree-Year Accreditation in M ammography by the American College of Radiology, representing the highest level of image quality and patient safety. Our board certified team of radiologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons and pathologists are among the country’s most respected. T his combination of unmatched expertise, remarkable convenience and the most advanced diagnostic procedure available today has made us the first choice of women in the area. Located on the 2nd floor of the Wellness C enter, our Women’s I maging Center (also known as the B reast C enter) brings unique expertise to every aspect of breast health. To schedule your mammogram, call (707) 257-4036. 38 www.nAPAVA L L E Y L I F Emagaz ine.com ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
NVLife_NovDec_2013
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