NATIONWIDE — Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an educational campaign to raise awareness and to promote regular screening and early detection of this disease. Each year, individuals, businesses and communities show their support for the many people affected by breast cancer.

“We need to raise awareness about the steps to detect breast cancer early,” said James McDonald, M.D., New York State health commissioner. “If you have a family history of breast cancer, consider asking your doctor about tests for inherited changes—mutations—to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which increases risk for breast and ovarian cancer.”

“As a breast cancer survivor, I am one of many New Yorkers whose lives have been impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis,” said Johanne Morne, New York State acting executive deputy commissioner. She urged people to take the steps to detect breast cancer early. “Knowing the warning signs, practicing self-exams, getting a mammogram and routinely seeing your clinical provider are a few steps you can take for early detection.”

The statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. and New York women aside from skin cancer. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and in New York State, nearly 16,700 new cases and 2,500 deaths from breast cancer are recorded each year. 

In PA, 13,000 new cases of breast cancer are recorded each year, and over 2,000 deaths are recorded from breast cancer  according to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.

The risk you face

The risk of breast cancer increases with age and varies across racial groups. Black females are more likely to have breast cancer diagnosed at an advanced stage and die from the disease.

Males also get breast cancer; however, it is very rare. About 1 in every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the U.S. is found in males. Most breast cancers are found in females who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women.

In addition to age, factors that may affect your chance of getting breast cancer include:

Genetic mutations. Inherited changes (mutations) to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

Reproductive history. Starting menstrual periods before age 12 and starting menopause after age 55 expose people to hormones longer, raising their risk of getting breast cancer.

Having dense breasts. Dense breasts have more connective tissue than fatty tissue, which can sometimes make it hard to see tumors on a mammogram. Having dense breasts can increase the risk for breast cancer.

Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases. Having had breast cancer increases the likelihood of getting breast cancer a second time. Some non-cancerous breast diseases, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ, are associated with a higher risk of getting breast cancer.

Family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Having close relatives (parents, siblings, children) who have had breast or ovarian cancer raises risk.

Previous treatment using radiation therapy. 

Exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES). DES was given to some pregnant individuals in the U.S. between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage. Those who took DES or who have a mother who was treated with DES may have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.

Taking hormones. Some forms of hormone replacement therapy (those that include both estrogen and progesterone) taken during menopause can raise risk for breast cancer when taken for more than five years. Certain oral contraceptives (birth control pills) also have been found to raise breast cancer risk.

Reproductive history. Having the first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding and never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk.

All cisgender women, persons assigned female at birth (including transgender men and nonbinary persons), and transwomen who currently use or have taken hormones should be aware of their personal risk for breast cancer and decide, with their health care provider, when to start screening. 

Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it might be easier to treat and before there are any signs or symptoms of a problem. 

Symptoms of breast cancer

There are different symptoms of breast cancer and some people have no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. If you have any signs, see your doctor right away. 

Symptoms could include:

Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.

Pain in any area of the breast.

Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).

A new lump in the breast or underarm.

Lower your risk

Actions to take to help lower breast cancer risk include the following:

Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

Choose not to drink alcohol, or drink alcohol in moderation.

If you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the risks.

Breastfeed your children if possible.

Research suggests that other factors such as smoking, being exposed to chemicals that can cause cancer and changes in other hormones due to night shift working also could increase breast cancer risk.

Information from the New York Department of Health.