Download October 2016

October 2016
YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO HEALTH CARE AWARENESS
Doctor’s
Bag
Tips for Reducing
Breast Cancer Risks
DidUKnow?
Many risk factors for
developing breast cancer
are out of your control. But
studies suggest there are
other lifestyle-related risk
factors that you may be able
to avoid by being proactive
with your health by:
According to the American
Cancer Society, breast cancer
symptoms may include:
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese may increase your
chances of developing cancer. That’s why the
American Cancer Society recommends you maintain
a healthy weight throughout your life and avoid
excessive weight gain.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
•New lump in breast or
armpit
•Swelling of all or part of
breast
• Skin irritation or dimpling
•Nipple retraction or breast
or nipple pain
•Redness, scaliness or
thickening of nipple or
breast skin
Exercising Regularly
Regular exercise can reduce your risk of breast
cancer and keep your body functioning normally.
•Nipple discharge
Avoiding Alcohol
Studies have shown a direct link between drinking
alcohol and an increased risk of breast, and other
cancers.
Having one or more of
these symptoms does not
necessarily mean you have
breast cancer, but you
should always consult your
doctor when any changes or
symptoms occur and maintain
regular screening tests. Since
screenings may not find every
type of breast cancer, it’s
important to know how your
breasts usually look and feel
so you can alert your doctor
to any changes.
Talking to Your Doctor about Hormone Therapy
and Contraceptives
Changes in the production and levels of certain
hormones could increase your risk for breast cancer.
Talk to your doctor about the risks associated with
any sort of hormone therapy or hormone-based
contraceptive methods to decide what’s right for you.
Avoiding Cancer-Causing Carcinogens
While it may not be possible to avoid every harmful
substance in your environment, you should make
a conscious effort to avoid common carcinogens,
chemicals and exposure to radiation that interfere
with the normal function of the body and are not
medically necessary.
Being proactive about your health and receiving the
recommended exams can lower your risk for breast
cancer and increase survival rates of women who do
get the disease. Be sure to talk to your doctor about
all your risk factors and overall health and well-being.
Claims are administered by UniCare Life & Health Insurance Company.
•Any change in the size or
shape of breast
Information Sources
CDC.gov, What Is Breast Cancer (August
2016): http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/
basic_info/what-is-breast-cancer.htm
CDC.gov, What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of
Breast Cancer (August 2016): http://www.cdc.
gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/prevention.htm
Cancer.org, Signs and Symptoms of Breast
Cancer (August 2016): www.cancer.org
One of the best defenses
women have against breast
cancer is awareness. The
more you know about the
disease, the causes and the
risk factors, the higher the
potential for early detection.
Like other cancers, breast
cancer is a disease that
causes cells to grow out
of control. Breast cancers
affect the cells of the lobules
(milk-producing glands), the
ducts (tubes connecting the
glands to the nipple) or the
connective tissue (fibrous
and fatty tissue) of the
breast. Most breast cancers
begin in the lobules or the
ducts, but the cancer can
spread outside the breast, or
metastasize, and affect other
parts of the body.
The two most common types
of breast cancer are:
• Invasive ductal carcinoma.
Cancer cells grow outside
the ducts and spread to
other breast tissue.
•Invasive lobular carcinoma.
Cancer cells spread from
the lobules and into other
breast tissue.
Since awareness is a key
success factor, it’s important
to follow your doctor’s
recommendation for receiving
annual exams, mammograms
and conducting breast selfexams at home.