October 2022 Health Tip

by J. Renee Livsey, RN-BC |  October 1, 2022

 
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month
 
We will focus on breast cancer for our health tip today, but all cancer is of importance in our community.
 
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. Deaths from breast cancer have declined over time, but breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among women. Breast cancer occurs mainly in woman, but men have breast tissue and can also develop breast cancer.
 
Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all. We all need to get to know our bodies. Every morning when you’re getting showered or getting dressed, take a minute to get in tune with how you feel. Is there a new ache, any swelling, any lumps, or skin changes? If there is anything different, keep an eye on it and if there is no change or improvement in a week or so, let your PCP know about it. Don’t wait for months to pass before you take care of changes in your health.
 
Cancer can result from a number of different things. Our family history, our lifestyle, and the environment around us work together to increase or decrease our risk of getting cancer. Anything that increases your chance of developing cancer is called a cancer risk factor. Risk factors include smoking, being overweight, heavy consumption of alcohol, not getting enough exercise, and coming in contact with caustic material or chemicals like asbestos.  Anything that decreases your chance of developing cancer is called a cancer protective factor.  Protective factors include quitting smoking, limiting the amount of alcohol you consume, maintaining a healthy weight, and increasing daily physical activity. Cancer is a disease that can be cured if caught in its early stages. This is why it is so important that you are getting yearly screenings such as mammograms or prostate checks as directed by your health provider. We have the power to reduce our cancer risks by living healthier. Talk to your health care professional about how you might lower your risk of cancer.