The month of October is used in many countries, including Anguilla, to focus attention on breast cancer. Breast cancer continues to affect many individuals in Anguilla despite the many advances in its management.
Breast cancer
The vast majority of cases of breast cancer inAnguillaoccur in women but the disease can also occur in men. The incidence of breast cancer increases with age and is very common in women over the age of 75. In many countries, early detection and improved treatment options have led to a greater number of individuals being cured from breast cancer. Much work needs to be done to further decrease the incidence of this very common cancer inAnguilla.
Factors affecting breast cancer
Several factors are associated with persons who develop breast cancer, some of which are preventable while others are not. Breast cancer prevention begins with various factors you can control.
In some cases there is little that can be done to prevent breast cancer, but in others paying close attention to preventable risk factors can go a long way in preventing it. There are many lifestyle activities that are associated with breast cancer.
Lifestyle factors associated with breast cancer
Changing many lifestyle factors has been associated with breast cancer prevention. Some of these lifestyle factors include the following:
• Alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol — including beer, wine or liquor — limit yourself to no more than one drink a day. If you are a breast cancer survivor avoid all alcohol.
• Control your weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.
• Regular physical activity. Being physically active can help you maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn, helps prevent breast cancer. Regular exercise, particularly vigorous exercise (for e.g. brisk walking), appears to offer protection against breast cancer. Exercise can help reduce body fat, which in turn lowers levels of cancer-promoting hormones such as oestrogen.
For most healthy adults, engaging in 45 – 60 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week is recommended.
If you are just starting a physical activity programme, start slowly and build intensity gradually. It is always a good idea to see your doctor for a physical examination prior to starting a new programme, especially if you have a pre-existing medical disorder.
Exercise can also help women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and may help reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Studies indicate that both aerobic and weight training exercises benefit the body and the mind, and improve the quality of life for breast cancer survivors.
• Breast-feed. Breast-feeding may also play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.
• Discontinue hormone therapy. Long-term combination hormone therapy increases the risk of breast cancer. If you are taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You may be able to manage your symptoms with non-hormonal therapies, such as physical activity. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, consider using the lowest dose that is effective for your symptoms, and plan to use it only temporarily.
• Avoid exposure to environmental pollution. While further studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and exposure to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found in vehicle exhaust and air pollution.
• Diet. Despite much research on the association between diet and breast cancer, there is still little consensus. The best advice is to eat a well-balanced diet and avoid focusing on one “cancer-fighting” food.
Is there a link between birth control pills and breast cancer?
Current evidence suggests that the use of oral contraceptives does not increase the risk of breast cancer. Most women inAnguillaare now using oral contraceptives that have very low doses of oestrogen, far less than what was used in older oral contraceptive pills used many years ago.
Conclusion
It is not always possible to prevent breast cancer. By practicing healthy habits, however, you can play a great role in breast cancer prevention. In addition to adopting good lifestyle habits, regular breast examination, appropriate screening, and regular medical check-ups can all lead to the prevention and early detection of breast cancer. Individuals are also encouraged to see their doctor as soon as possible if they discover a breast lump or notice an abnormal sign in their breast. Early detection of breast cancer leads to improved chances of a cure of this common cancer.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over twenty nine years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
