Let’s Talk About Breast Cancer

Dear Diary,

Yes, I realize that October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we are now in November, but I still wanted to highlight this disease because 1. this is my blog and I can do what I want 🙂 and 2. it’s so important. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women around the world and the 2^nd most common cause of cancer death in women in the US. I honestly cannot think of anyone I know who has NOT been affected in some way by breast cancer – whether via a personal diagnosis or through the diagnosis and/or loss of a relative or friend. 

My family is included.

My maternal grandmother, Ruth, died from breast cancer at the age of 56. My mother had just turned 21 and was in her first year of medical school, away from home for the first time. Grandma Ruth was my mother’s closest confidant, and her death was a devastating experience for my mom. My grandfather was still alive and well, but he was a stoic, practical (old school) man who was not really adept at dealing with great sadness. I believe that he did his best to be a source of comfort for my mom at the time. However, he was trying to cope with his own anguish over such an enormous loss. My mother left medical school for almost a year in order to stay home and lend her support to my grandfather while navigating through her grief and loss.  

Losing one’s mother, especially at a young age, creates a massive void that can never really be filled. Time helps heal the wounds of course, but the scars are permanent. There is an unmistakable longing in mom’s voice when she speaks about Grandma Ruth and I know mom still mourns the fact that my grandmother missed out on so much of her life. At the very least, she would have loved for her to meet my father, siblings and me. 

I feel certain that if my grandmother had been able to have access to the breast cancer screening modalities and treatments that are available today, she would have survived. My hope, in writing this post, is to simply emphasize the importance of getting screened when it is appropriate for you based on your age, risk factors etc. because early detection and treatment are paramount. 

Know Your History: 

Family history that is… 

Breast cancer risk increases if one has 1^st degree relatives (meaning a parent or sibling) that have been affected. Additionally, the risk increases all the more if multiple 1^st degree relatives have been affected and if said relatives were diagnosed at a young age. 

If you have relatives that have been affected by breast cancer, are there specific genetic mutations in the family present that predispose one to developing breast cancer?

Is there a family history of any other “female” cancers (i.e. ovarian, tubal etc)? 

Be sure to disclose all of this information to your physician and have a conversation so that he/she can make the best recommendation for YOU based on your history. It is never too early to broach these topics with your doctor.

Decreasing Your Risk:

Some things are out of our control, right? Such as our age, gender, family history, genetics etc.  However, we can take some actions that may actually lower our risk of breast cancer. 

• Limit alcohol consumption
• No smoking!
• Regular, moderate physical activity
• Healthy diet – low in fat, high in fruits and vegetable (especially in postmenopausal women)
• Breastfeeding (the longer duration the better)

Screenings Modalities: The Mammogram

I am going to focus on mammography here as it is the main tool used for breast cancer screening in women determined to be in the “average risk” category (which is most women). 

Your particular “risk” of developing breast cancer can be determined by your doctor. Subsequently, you and your doctor should make a decision together on how to proceed, because screening strategies can differ. 

Mammography is very well researched, and studies have shown that screening mammography helps lower the odds of dying from breast cancer AND aids in earlier diagnosis and treatment. 

Think of a mammogram as an x-ray picture of the breast. During the procedure your breast is firmly compressed between two plastic plates while the x-ray is taken. Images are also taken to obtain the side view of the breast. These steps are then repeated on your other breast. Now, I have heard that mammograms are not comfortable and may even be somewhat painful. Fortunately, the test is over fairly quickly, and the discomfort is temporary. The results, however, can be life- saving. 

Oh, and remember! If you plan to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, it is recommended that you schedule your screening mammogram 4-6 weeks AFTER your second shot. 

One Last Thing:

Obviously, writing this post has made me think a lot about my grandmother. I have stared at pictures of her lovely smiling face since I was a child, often wondering what her voice sounded like, how she smelled and what it would have felt like to hold her hand. 

I hope that this post encourages you to keep up with your health maintenance and get screened when it is appropriate for you. Do it for yourself and your family…and the family that you may not even know yet. 

Please share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments. I would love to hear from you!

---

Disclaimer: As always, although I am a physician by profession, I am not your physician. All content and information on this website (https://drmomdiaries.com) is for informational and educational purposes only. The information and content on this website do not constitute medical advice and do not establish a doctor-patient relationship with you by your use of this website. Although this website strives to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is NOT a substitute for medical advice and you should not rely solely on this information. Please always consult a licensed medical professional or healthcare provider in your state who specializes in your particular needs prior to making any medical decisions or if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses or treatment. We at https://drmomdiaries.com are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site. Please see our Terms and Medical Disclaimer here.