Almost everyone knows someone who has battled breast cancer. With 200,000 new women being diagnosed every year, it’s never too early to start reducing your risk.

“At Adventist Midwest Health, we’re focused on breast cancer because it is one of the few cancers where early detection and education directly influence long-term survival,” says Leela Rao, MD, an oncologist with Adventist GlenOaks Hospital. In fact, the 10-year survival rate for stage I breast cancer is 90 percent, whereas survival for stage IV breast cancer is about 10 percent.

Prevention is your best defense
Although knowing your family history is a big part in preventing any type of disease or condition, it isn’t the only thing you need to do. “Only eight percent of all breast cancers result from family history,” Dr. Rao says. “That leaves a lot of room to prevent cancer yourself, and it should start in your teens.”

To reduce your risk, Dr. Rao recommends the following behavior modifications:

• Maintaining a Body Mass Index (BMI) lower than 25
• Exercising 30 minutes a day, five days a week
• Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Avoiding post-menopausal hormone therapy
• Taking aspirin, calcium and folic acid supplements

Screenings are also important to help prevent breast cancer, and should start earlier than you think. “No one knows your breasts better than you,” Dr. Rao says. “Monthly breast self-exams when you’re a teen give you a roadmap of how they feel, so as you age, changes are more easily detected.” She also recommends annual physicals with your primary care physician.

For women over 40 years old, Dr. Rao recommends getting a mammogram, an X-ray of the breast, every other year and every year after age 50. For women who’ve tested positive for the breast cancer gene, the BRCA mutation, an MRI is also encouraged.

Treating the mind, body and spirit
Thanks to advancements in technology and research, breast cancer is more treatable than ever. Women also have more options than before, including surgery, radiation and systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy.

In addition to offering patients the best in clinical care, Adventist Midwest Health offers emotional care. Through a partnership with the American Cancer Society, Adventist Midwest Health provides various programs around the community. “Last year we created an event where women could learn about breast cancer and receive a free mammogram,” Dr. Rao says. “That day we screened a woman and found out she had breast cancer. Fortunately, we were able to treat her early and prevent the cancer from spreading further.”

At Adventist Midwest Health, patients have access to patient navigators to help handle the stress and complications of a cancer diagnosis. “From the time you first notice an abnormality, our care coordinators are with you to help ease the process,” Dr. Rao adds. Patient navigators act as liaisons between patients and all other specialists on their comprehensive care team, including physicians, surgeons and radiologists. In addition to providing information, such as test results and answering questions, they support patients every step of their journey. “At Adventist Midwest Health, our main goal is patient care,” she says. “We treat the patient, not just their disease.”

Schedule your screening mammogram today by calling 866-533-7968. Same or next-day appointments available.