Knowledge is powerful weapon against breast cancer

Breast Cancer is something that we all hope will never touch our lives. But the truth is that many of us will have to face this disease, whether we battle it ourselves or watch someone we love go through the fight. October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Oct. 21 is National Mammography Day. Now is a great time to get informed about this widespread disease.

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 13 percent of the female population in America will be diagnosed with some form of breast cancer. This equals about one in eight females. While this may not sound too intimidating, think of these statistics applied locally. Approximately 20,000 people in Bonner County are female. This means that more than 2,600 of us will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in our lives.

Let's get something straight — I don't like statistics. I don't believe that people should be described as statistics. However, if we begin to see the numbers as individuals — our loved ones, friends and neighbors — then the reality of the disease begins to hit home.

Breast cancer is one of those things that people just don't talk about. We sweep it under the rug because talking about it can be embarrassing and frightening. But the more we ignore it, the more it can hurt us. Ladies, talk to your doctors about it. If you're a female over the age of 40, you should be having a yearly breast exam and mammogram. If you're younger but, like me, have found a lump, don't wait. Make an appointment with your doctor and get informed. Yes, it might be embarrassing, but it is a heck of a lot better than the alternative.

We have all heard that there are certain risk factors for developing the disease. Some of these are a history of breast cancer in the family, obesity, lack of exercise, never giving birth to a child or taking hormone therapy for menopause. The truth is that these factors may increase the risk of developing the cancer, but there are still many cases that seem to appear out of the clear blue with none of the risk factors involved.

How do we beat this seemingly arbitrary attacker? Through awareness and communication. Learn how to do a breast self-exam (and actually do it once a month). If you're over the age of 40, be sure to get a breast exam by a doctor or nurse practitioner at least once a year and do not skip your annual mammogram. If you find anything out of the ordinary and it lasts through at least one menstrual cycle or seems to be getting bigger or more prominent, see your doctor immediately. Do not be shy about this — early detection just might save your life.

With most forms of this disease, early detection leads to successful treatment. What about prevention? Is there a fail-safe way to prevent this disease? The answer, unfortunately, is no. But we can reduce our risk by eliminating some of the harmful factors that are known to contribute to our odds.

Exercise. Most physicians agree that even 30 minutes of brisk walking every day can be of great benefit to our health and the prevention of all kinds of cancers.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet. I know this can be difficult with our busy lives, but getting the right kinds of vitamins and minerals from our food can make our bodies stronger and less susceptible to disease.

Know your family history. If you have a mother or sister, for example, who was diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, this is pertinent information to share with your doctor.

Quit smoking. We all know how bad smoking is for our bodies but because it's so addictive, we do it anyway. If you can't quit alone, find someone to support you.

Drink less alcohol. Drinking two or more alcoholic beverages per day can increase your risk of developing cancer. A single glass of wine per night is fine, and good for your heart, but more can be dangerous.

Until there is a cure, it is up to us to protect ourselves from this disease. The best weapons in our arsenal are our own knowledge of our bodies and communication with our doctors. Getting diagnosed with breast cancer does not have to be a death sentence. The medical community is working hard to fight this disease and the odds of survival are improving every day.

For more information on breast cancer or for diagrams on how to do a breast self-exam, visit www.cancer.gov, or www.breastcancer.org, or ask your doctor at your next visit.