Last week I had the opportunity to sit down with Medical Oncologist Dr. Carcas, Breast cancer survivor Tamara Rodriguez and Baptist Health South Florida to discuss all things breast health and early detection. During our chat, I learned so many things from the effects of modifiable risk factors, the importance of early detection and how genetics plays a major role in getting a mammogram before your 40th birthday. These days, it is likely that you or someone you know has been affected by breast cancer, and since October is coming to a close, I thought I would share some additional information from the team at Baptist Health South Florida.
First things first, what is a modifiable risk factor? According to this article, breast cancer prevention has a lot to do with living a healthy lifestyle! Adopting healthy habits can actually add twelve years to a woman’s life and those healthy habits according to the American Heart Association journal Circulation include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Not smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol
The number TWELVE absolutely blew my mind! It is not always easy to turn over a new leaf and eat all your veggies, sweat regularly and put down the wine, but if you take baby steps before you know it, you will be living a lifestyle with longevity and could potentially add more than a decade to your life. If I have any advice for you, simply start cutting back on indulgences little by little. Find an accountability partner and keep your “WHY” on the forefront of your mind!
So you are eating healthy, exercising and simply doing all the “right things”. Unfortunately, genetics also plays a huge role in your genetic predisposition to cancer. As I learned from the Facebook Live, Ashkenazi Jews, African Americans, and Women of Carribean descent are all at risk for developing breast cancer. I am both Ashkenazi and African American and although I do not have a family history of breast cancer, it was a very surprising fact to learn about. According to this article: research shows that people who have hereditary cancer gene mutations could be at risk for getting cancer earlier in life. With that said, self-breast examination and being your own advocate can really aid in getting help before it is too late! Another option for all is the development of advanced genetic screenings. Advanced genetic testing and counseling is helping people detect cancer sooner, which in turn can help people manage cancer appropriately. If you do have a history of breast cancer, this article suggests that you should consider genetic testing. For more, make sure to watch the full video below.
So now that you know all about risks that are in and out of your control. One thing that really surprised me during our Facebook Live session was the fact that even after you endure chemo and radiation you can still have a healthy pregnancy and baby! With that said, you MUST start the dialogue with your health care provider EARLY. Male or female, cancer treatment can affect your ability to have children, but with all of the medical advances made, there are possibilities for patients to have children. I love that this article shares that although patients are usually overwhelmed and scared when they first receive the diagnosis, there is light at the end of the tunnel for all. So, I would suggest reading the article on fertility preservation and get to know your options today!
