October Means Pink!

By Dr. Colleen Sholar
In the world of health holidays, October has become Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is easy to recognize the pink around us from pumpkins to trashcans reminding women to get their screening mammograms and with this week’s death of Suzanne Somers, after a 23 year battle with aggressive
breast cancer, more attention will be raised. So let’s talk about breast cancer. First, let’s remember that every human has breast tissue, so this is not a women’s only problem, but it does affect women disproportionately. About 30% of all new cancer diagnoses each year are in the breast, affecting 1 out
of 8 women in their lifetimes with an average age of diagnosis of 62. Screening is important in finding disease early and while recommendations vary, it is agreed that women of average risk should start considering mammograms between 40-49 and by age 50 should be getting a mammogram at least every other year. This screening mammography is not happening in 21% of women, so if that is you, please reach out to the clinic so we can help get you screened. And, if you are at higher risk of breast cancer due to family history, other cancers, etc. please talk to your doctor about a plan for screenings.

There are some things everyone can do to limit their risk of breast cancer, as well as other health problems: be physically active, limit or avoid alcohol, and while the studies are not convincing that there are any dietary risk factors, it is always a good idea to eat more whole foods and fewer processed foods.

Breast cancer is the sexiest cancer, but not the deadliest for women. Lung cancer is and cancers of the GI tract were also expected to surpass breast in 2022. So get your breast cancer screening but also talk to your doctor about what other health screenings you may be due for.