Home > October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month -Expert advice from Dr. Rhonda M. Johnson

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in African-American women.

• The biggest risk for breast cancer is simply being a woman. Yes, men can get breast cancer, but it is 100 times more common in women.

• Family history of breast cancer in a relative increases your risk, especially if that relative is your mother or sister.

• Getting older – your risk increases as you get older.

• Lifestyle risks: Being overweight or obese has been found to increase breast cancer risk, especially for women after menopause. Physical inactivity and high alcohol use also increases your risk. 

• Recent oral contraceptive use (birth control pills) can slightly increase your breast cancer risk. This risk seems to go away once the pills are stopped. Women who stopped taking birth control pills more than 10 years ago do not appear to have any increased risk of breast cancer. Talk to your health care provider about using the pill if you are concerned about breast cancer and are planning to use this form of birth control.

•  Get your mammogram. Mammograms are X-ray pictures of the breast that can find breast cancer early. Screening mammograms are used to check for breast cancer in women who have no symptoms of the disease. If you are age 40 or older, you should have screening mammograms every one to two years. Women who have multiple risk factors should talk with their health care provider.

•  Talk with your doctor, family and friends. Talk with your doctor about your family history. Learn how to perform self exams. Share information with other women in your life. Encourage each other to get a mammogram.

•  Don't ignore symptoms. If you notice any changes in your breasts, see your health care professional. Most changes are not breast cancer, but they should always be checked.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Exercise regularly and make physical activity a part of your everyday life. If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption, talk with your health care professional about reducing your intake.