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Breast cancer cases are rising in young women. Preventive care and screening can save your life.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that breast cancer cases for all women are rising a little (0.6%) every year, however cases are rising a bit more per year (1.0%) for women under 50. There are significant racial breast cancer disparities. Young Black, Hispanic, Asian American and Pacific Islander women ages 20 to 59 are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than white women ages 20 to 59.  Additionally, Black women are 38% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women. It’s more important than ever to know the risk factors for breast cancer and take preventive steps to reduce your risk.

Risk Factors

Two main breast cancer risk factors are being born female and being older than 55, though men can also get breast cancer and should perform self-exams. Other unchangeable risk factors include having an inherited gene mutation (e.g. BRCA), a personal or family history of breast cancer, menstruation before age 12 or menopause after age 55, prior chest radiation therapy, certain non-cancerous breast conditions and dense breasts. Dense breasts also have more dense tissue than fatty tissue, making cancer detection more difficult with a mammogram.

Changeable lifestyle risks include drinking alcohol, being overweight or sedentary, an unhealthy diet, and the use of hormonal birth control or menopausal therapy. Changing some of these personal behaviors by reducing alcohol consumption, increasing physical activity, eating fruits and vegetables, exploring other birth control and considering menopausal treatment options can make an impact and reduce breast cancer risk.

Regardless of risk factors, early detection increases the odds of a successful outcome. A screening mammogram is the most effective tool for early breast cancer detection. Guidelines recommend women of average risk begin mammograms at age 40, however, women at higher risk may begin younger and add a breast MRI. In Pennsylvania, insurance must cover additional breast cancer screenings for those with dense breasts or other high-risk factors.

Peter R. Eby, MD, FACR, FSBI, University of Pennsylvania Division Chief of Breast Radiology, Vice President of the Society of Breast Imaging, advises, “One out of eight women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. Seven out of 8 women won’t. We recommend screening mammograms, starting at age 40, to find cancer early for the one out of 8 women who will get it. Women at increased risk should consider additional screening tests like breast MRI. We recommend that all women have a risk assessment at or before age 30. This is especially important for Black, Hispanic, Asian American and Pacific Islander women who are more likely to get breast cancer at a younger age.”

Preventive Care

Lifestyle adjustments, preventive steps, and annual mammograms can manage breast cancer risk. It’s imperative that women learn their family history from their mother’s and father’s sides to help guide how to manage their risk. “Having a family history of breast cancer may increase a woman’s risk. Not having a family history of breast cancer is good but doesn’t mean a woman is safe. 75% of all breast cancer happens in women without any family history,” says Eby.”

For women at higher risk of developing breast cancer, a risk assessment with a doctor can determine if screening mammograms should begin before age 40 and if additional surveillance is needed. A genetic counselor can determine if genetic testing is needed based on family history, to identify inherited mutations that increase cancer risk, including breast cancer.

High-quality screening is vital, including the latest technology, well-trained and experienced staff, and a comprehensive breast health program with screening and diagnostic imaging, biopsies, and coordinated follow-up care.

Penn Medicine’s Cancer Risk Evaluation Programs

Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center offers genetic counseling through the MacDonald Cancer Risk Evaluation Center, which helps identify, understand and manage breast cancer risk.

Penn Medicine’s Basser Center for BRCA is dedicated to the research, treatment, and prevention of BRCA-related cancers (breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic). Patients can meet with a genetic counselor to discuss genetic testing, managing inherited cancer risk and treatment.

Penn’s MAPS Clinic for Breast Health is a monitoring program for those with an elevated risk of developing breast cancer due to non-inherited risk factors, like dense breasts. They help patients manage their breast health, risk assessment, prevention and surveillance.

Penn Medicine Mammography

Screening mammography is proven to save lives by catching cancer early. Penn Medicine offers 3D mammography at all locations, which improves detection of breast cancer even for dense breasts, and ultrasound and MRI. For those uninsured, underinsured, and over the age of 40, the Penn Medicine Breast Health Initiative offers free mammograms and appointment assistance.

Click here to schedule a mammogram at one of Penn Medicine’s convenient locations in the Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey regions.

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This story was written and paid for by Penn Medicine.

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