Early detection and healthy habits key in fight against breast cancer
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers diagnosed among women in the United States, but experts say early detection and healthy lifestyle choices can dramatically improve outcomes. Kimberly Widel of BJC Breast Center emphasizes that regular screening and preventive measures are essential for saving lives.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in U.S. women in 2023. Approximately 43,700 women are expected to die from the disease this year.
The power of early detection
Yet, survival rates are high when cancer is detected early. The five-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer — that is, cancer detected before it spreads beyond the breast — is 99%.
Despite the effectiveness of screening, millions of women still forgo annual mammograms. Financial barriers, lack of access to healthcare or the misconception that one test is sufficient often lead to missed appointments and delayed diagnoses.
Widel notes that some women are surprised to learn that follow-up diagnostics may be necessary after an initial screening.
“We see women come in for their mammogram, and then they have issues returning for their diagnostic,” Widel explained. “They thought it was one and done. When I talk about coming back, they weren’t expecting it. Suddenly, it becomes, ‘Oh my gosh, I had to get that, and it took me forever to get a screening.’”
Widel urges anyone, regardless of obstacles, to make breast cancer testing a priority. “It’s preventable, and it shouldn’t continue to claim the lives of women and men, given the resources available,” she said. “There’s no reason anyone should go years without a mammogram.”
Who should be getting screened?
The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk begin yearly mammograms at age 40. Regular screening can reduce breast cancer deaths by more than 40% among women ages 40 and older. For those age 35 and above, Widel points out, a doctor’s referral is not even required in many locations — making access to screening more straightforward than ever.
“If you have 20 minutes to spare to keep yourself healthy and ensure nothing is wrong, we can get it done for you,” Widel said.
Public awareness of certain breast cancer gene mutations surged in 2013 after actress Angelina Jolie revealed she underwent a preventative double mastectomy upon learning she carried a certain mutation. A new blood test in the U.K. helps high-risk patients recognize the markers. However, it’s the mammogram that Widel says should be on every woman’s calendar.
Other preventative measures
Screening is only one part of cancer prevention. Widel stresses that many cancers are also preventable through healthy lifestyle choices, with maintaining a healthy weight topping the list. “I know it’s a difficult subject, but the correlation between being unhealthy, carrying extra weight, and breast cancer is clear,” she said. “Physical activity is one way to avoid it.”
In addition to regular exercise, Widel recommends a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, limiting or avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking. “Smoking actually causes at least 15 types of cancer, and breast cancer is one of them,” she said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also notes that moderate to vigorous physical activity, even 150 minutes per week, can help lower cancer risk.
As awareness of risk factors and the importance of preventive healthcare grows, Widel hopes that fewer women — and men — will have their lives upended by breast cancer. “With the advances in medicine and the resources available today, there’s really no excuse for waiting years to get screened,” she said.
Widel encourages everyone to take charge of their health, stay informed, and support friends and family in doing the same. “The sooner we detect an issue, the better our chances of treating it successfully,” she said. “Prevention and early detection save lives.”
The post Early detection and healthy habits key in fight against breast cancer appeared first on Straight Arrow News.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
