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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted October 24, 2014 in Breast Asymmetry, Breast Augmentation, Breast Cancer, Breast Implants, Breast Lift, Breast Revision, Health & Fitness

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

With more than 40,000 deaths and over 230,000 new cases diagnosed every year, breast cancer has become one of the most common and deadly diseases. While breast cancer can usually be successfully treated if diagnosed early enough, many women don’t know about the risk factors that contribute to this disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and our Orange County practice is happy to provide information to improve awareness and inform all women how they can stay breast cancer-free.

Causes of Breast Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, some of the common factors that affect a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer include:

  • Age: Risk increases with age
  • Family history: Risk is higher if blood relatives have breast cancer
  • Body weight: Risk is higher for women overweight or obese after menopause
  • Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding lowers the risk for developing breast cancer
  • Race: Caucasian women are at higher risk for developing breast cancer and African American women are at higher risk for dying from breast cancer
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): HRT after menopause increases a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer

Contrary to what some women believe, factors that don’t affect a woman’s risk of breast cancer include:

  • Breast implants
  • Smoking
  • Miscarriage
  • Antiperspirants

Screening for Breast Cancer

Whether or not you have breast cancer, it is highly recommended that you have a screening at least once a year. The two most common tests used when screening for breast cancer include:

Breast Self-Exam: Although some cancers may be too tiny to feel, obvious lumps can sometimes be detected through self-examination.

Clinical Breast Exam (CBE): The doctor palpates the areas around the breasts, as well as under the arms, to detect obvious abnormalities in the breasts and surrounding tissues.

Mammogram: Using a specialized x-ray machine, unusual changes and cancer in breast tissue are accurately observed. All women over the age of 40 should have a mammogram performed at least once a year.

If you haven’t had your yearly mammogram performed, we strongly encourage you to schedule one as soon as possible. For all of your breast enhancement needs, contact the practice of Dr. Andrés Talesnik by calling (714) 538-8549 or by filling out our online contact form.

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