October 2023 Health Tip

by J. Renee Livsey, RN-BC |  October 1, 2023

   
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. Breast cancer occurs mainly in woman, but men have breast tissue and can also develop breast cancer. 
 
All forms of 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.
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 over a period of time.  
Lifestyle changes that may prevent cancer 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. Even though most medical organizations don't recommend routine breast self-exams as a part of breast cancer screening, a significant number of women report that the first sign of their breast cancer was a new breast lump they discovered on their own. For this reason, it is important to be familiar with the normal consistency of your breasts. If you notice a change in your breasts that seems abnormal or if you notice one breast is different when compared with the other, you must report it to your doctor. It is also important that you receive  screenings such as mammograms 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.