With breast cancer being the second-leading cause of death among women and the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, it is important to become informed about breast cancer and the recommended screenings.
One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and more than 265,000 women in the U.S. are estimated to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year. In Wyoming alone, 411 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., “Doctors seldom know why one woman develops breast cancer and another doesn’t, and most women who have breast cancer will never be able to pinpoint an exact cause. What we do know is that breast cancer is always caused by damage to a cell’s DNA.”
Risk factors are something that may increase the chance of getting diseases. Women with certain risk factors are more likely to develop breast cancer over others, but some risk factors, such as drinking alcohol, can be avoided. Most risk factors however cannot be avoided such as having a family history of breast cancer.
Dr. Alexa Harrist, state health officer and state epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health, said women can take a few steps to help lower their risk of breast cancer. These steps include: maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and limiting to no more than one drink a day.
Along with prevention, early detection and screening is key. The best way to find breast cancer early is for women to get regular mammograms. The United States of Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women should begin talking with their doctor about screenings and breast cancer risk at age 40. Women of average risk, without a family history or other risk factors, should begin mammogram screening every two years.
Getting mammograms should be an important appointment for women almost annually, but many women are not involved in the proper steps to preventing breast cancer. In a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2015, about 40% of women 40 and older have not had a mammogram within the past two years.
“Mammograms can be uncomfortable and perhaps a little embarrassing but is quick,” said Kim Deti, the public information officer at the Wyoming Department of Health “Another potential barrier for some women is cost. Women without insurance are less likely to be screened.” However, Wyoming Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program and the Wyoming Breast Cancer Initiative Voucher Program are two programs that can cover the cost for women in Wyoming.
“The Wyoming Cancer Program tells people it is important for women to know their breasts, but self-examination should not replace a regular mammogram,” Deti said. “Younger women should be aware of their breasts, so they may contact their doctor if changes occur,”
Breast cancer is most easily treated when it is found early, with the survival rate being 99 percent. For more information visit the American Cancer Society website or the Wyoming Cancer Program website.
