Early detection key in fighting breast cancer

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and it is a time to remind all women about what they need to do to stay healthy. The purpose of this month is to educate women about early breast cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment. Regardless of whether you are 18 or 45, knowing what the signs of breast cancer are and how to check for them is necessary for saving your life, or someone else's.

According to WebMD.com, self-breast exams should be done by women once a month beginning at the age of 20. One week after your period, conduct a self exam by first looking at them in the mirror to see if you notice any lumps or abnormalities. Next, use the pads of your fingers and press firmly on your breasts and armpit areas to feel for anything strange. Check them the same way every month and call your doctor immediately if anything causes alarm.

Researchers have also found that active women are 20 percent less likely to get breast cancer than those who do not regularly exercise an hour and a half a week. Unfortunately, this is not always the case if a woman's mother, sister or daughter has already been diagnosed, for they would have to exercise an excess of three hours or more a week.

The risk of breast cancer increases with age and it is uncommon for anyone under 35 to be diagnosed. However, studies are beginning to find that alcohol consumption may affect a woman's risk for breast cancer. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism concluded that "Chronic alcohol consumption has been associated with a small increase (averaging 10 percent) in a woman's risk of breast cancer."

According to these studies, the risk appears to increase as the quantity and duration of alcohol consumption increases. Other studies have also found similar results, but they have been too inconsistent to say how much alcohol is too much.

Studies have also shown that women who gain at least 22 pounds after menopause are 18 percent more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than a woman who does not gain weight.

There are no magic steps a woman can take in order to prevent herself from getting breast cancer. The most important thing is early detection, which can increase a woman's chance for beating the disease. Encourage every woman you know to check her breasts or to at least visit her gynecologist once a year for an exam. There are several organizations working hard to find a cure. If nothing else, donate to one of these to help save one woman's life.

This writer can be contacted at pulse@theeastcarolinian.com.