Diagnosis: Breast Cancer and Lifestyle Risk Factors

When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2020, I was still elated about my daughter's engagement to an extraordinary young man. My gynecologist tried to reach me but didn't want to leave a message on my cell phone.  We finally connected on Thanksgiving evening.

I quickly connected with MD Anderson and began their testing, exams, surgery, and radiation.  Not having been through this process myself, everything was new, and I feared the unknown.  And it didn't help that it was during the Pandemic, and no one was allowed to accompany me on an appointment, test, surgery, or radiation.  Most of the treatments were held at the Medical Center location, about a 45-minute drive from home.  Since it was during the Pandemic, I had to be COVID tested each time, by MD Anderson personnel only, before the appointments.   My husband had to sit in the parking garage until my surgery was completed and then drive me home. 

The oncologist later suggested I undergo radiation.  I was picked for a trial that only included five days of radiation instead of the usual 15 days.  At this time, I am clear, and I am working hard to make the positive changes suggested and hopefully eliminate any reccurrence.  

My breast cancer was found early.  I had Stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ.  I have faithfully had my annual mammograms and I want to emphasize the value of 3D digital mammograms.  My cancer was seen as a grain of sand on the initial mammogram.  They then performed a magnified 3D mammogram and found a string of 5 spots.  At that time, a biopsy was performed, and the tissue was tested, which indicated cancer.

I have also walked alongside my mother and assisted with her care during her three-year battle with Stage IV Lung Cancer. 

Since October is national breast cancer awareness month, I wanted to re-emphasize the risks and help reduce your chances of the second most common cancer in women.   According to research, only lung cancer kills more women. Included are a couple of links for more information.

• https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics
• https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
• https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/can-i-lower-my-risk.html

You have a 13% average risk of developing breast cancer in the United States - this means you have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer. 

Lifestyle Risk Factors:

1. Drinking Alcohol – women who drink Alcohol have a 7-10% increase in risk.
2. Smoking – even second-hand smoke can be a risk factor for breast cancer.
3. Being obese or overweight – this risk factor is complex.  Being overweight after menopause is a considerable risk factor for breast cancer.  Weight can have different effects on different types of breast cancer.
4. Lack of Physical Activity – women, should try to get 30 minutes a day of exercise.
5. Birth Control – birth control methods that utilize hormones can be a risk factor.
6. Post-Menopause Hormone Therapy – past and current users of hormone replacement therapy have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer. Many risk factors are beyond our control – being female and getting older. But we can change many of the other risk factors mentioned above.

I wanted to write this blog to encourage you (women and men) to take these risk factors seriously and make the changes needed now so that you aren't surprised, like I was, with a cancer diagnosis.  I am praying for your health. 

Enjoy the Fall season, turning leaves, and cooler temperatures.

All my best,

Julie