Can breast cancer be prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer. All women can consider the lifestyle risk factors as they make their choices. The answers are not all in on this subject and women need to stay informed as new research is published. For women who are at higher-than-average risk, tamoxifen has been approved in the United States to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. This hormonal treatment has side effects and risks of its own, so the decision to use tamoxifen for prevention should be made in careful consultation with a doctor. It is likely others will be approved in the future, based on ongoing studies and approvals in Europe. For women at extremely high risk of breast cancer, preventive mastectomy (surgery to remove the breasts) may be considered. While many breast cancers cannot be prevented, early detection and prompt treatment can save lives when breast cancer occurs.
Since we do not know what causes breast cancer, we do not know how to prevent it. Early detection is the single most important factor in surviving a breast cancer diagnosis. Knowing the facts and taking action now could save your life. Until researchers understand the causes of breast cancer, you need to be your own health advocate by becoming aware of your breasts and any changes that occur.
Women can make changes in their lives to reduce the chance of getting breast cancer. However, breast cancer is usually not considered truly preventable. The best way to fight breast cancer is to find it early by getting regular mammograms and clinical breast exams. When found at its earliest stage, breast cancer has over a 95 percent five-year survival rate. Studies are currently underway to see what behaviors might have an impact on a woman’s risk. Some of these studies are looking at exercise, the use of hormone replacement therapy, diet, alcohol consumption and exposure to pesticides. Other studies will see if medications can reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have a higher risk than average. • What are some treatment options for people diagnosed with breast cancer? Treatment options continue to get better. For women with an early stage of breast cancer, when the tumor is small and confined to the breast, treatment might be a lumpectomy (surgical removal of the tumor), po
Since we dont know what causes breast cancer, we dont know how to prevent it. Early detection is the single most important factor in surviving a breast cancer diagnosis. Knowing the facts and taking action now could save your life. Until researchers understand the causes of breast cancer, you need to be your own health advocate by becoming aware of your breasts and any changes that occur.
