Early detection key for fighting breast cancer Published Oct. 22, 2008 By Nicole Voyer 436th Aerospace Medicine Squadron DOVER AIR BASE, Del. -- According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer will affect approximately 185,000 people in 2008. One in 8 women are affected by breast cancer and of all breast cancer cases, one percent of these victims are male. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Health and Wellness Center and 436th Medical Group staff want to highlight that detection can mean the difference between life and death. The exact causes of breast cancer are still unknown, however, research can tell us that there are risk factors that increase your chance of developing breast cancer. Knowing your risk factors and having regular screenings done can help detect breast cancer, improving the chances for successful treatment. A mammogram can often identify breast changes that may be cancerous before physical symptoms develop; however, some cancers that are not apparent on a mammogram may still be felt by the patient or their health care provider. The United States Prevention Services Task Force recommends women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every 1-2 years and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a breast exam by a health professional every three years. After age 50, women should have a breast exam every year. If men feel a lump on their chest it is possible for them to get a mammogram. Also, women and men should know how their chest normally feels and report any breast changes promptly to their health care provider. In addition to following these early detection guidelines and getting a mammogram every other year, there are important lifestyle choices people can make to help lower their risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society suggests some of the following important lifestyle choices: Watch your weight. Being overweight or obese is associated with increased risk of developing breast cancer. Choose foods that maintain a healthful weight. Eat five or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits each day. Choose whole grains in preference to processed grains and sugars. Limit the amount of red meat you eat, especially those that are high in fat and processed. Balance the number of calories you consume with your physical activity. The HAWC provides weight management and healthy eating classes to get you started on the right track. Exercise. Adults should engage in moderate or vigorous activity for at least 30 minutes five or more days per week; 45 minutes or more of exercise may be even better for reducing the risk of breast cancer. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Women who drink alcohol should limit their intake to no more than one drink per day (no more than two for men). The recommended limit is lower for women because of their smaller body size and slower metabolism of alcohol. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. For more information on Breast Cancer Awareness, visit http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast.