Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer with approximately 1.7 million new cases predicted this year alone. Many people across the nation are affected by breast cancer, men and women alike. It is said that women residing in the US have a 1 in 8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. How can breast cancer affect a person’s life and why should one be more aware?
In Iowa alone, there were 17,630 new cases of breast cancer in 2018. The effects of breast cancer can include problems such as infertility, isonomia, early menopause, and lymphedema. Lymphedema is when fluid comes together in different areas of the body and creates swelling.
Breast cancer mainly occurs in the older population–women over the age of 50 make up 87% of cases. Other risk factors include those with a family history of breast cancer, women, and those who had their period before the age of 12 or experienced menopause after the age of 65.
The risk for breast cancer isn’t biological alone. Studies have shown that other factors that may contribute to breast cancer include people who tend to live a more sedentary lifestyle, have a poor diet, and those who have a nicotine or alcohol addiction. Eric Crawford, a current economics teacher at Pleasant Valley High School, describes how he felt when his wife, now fully recovered, was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It put life into perspective more and when you think things won’t happen to you, they end up happening. You want to make more of the time you have. Never give up and always believe that things will get better.
There are various ways to prevent breast cancer from happening and with how common it is women are advised to be checking for symptoms daily. Some of the few ways one can reduce the chances of breast cancer are by exercising daily, reducing their consumption of alcohol, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight and good diet.
Abbey Hancock, a current senior at Pleasant Valley High School, had close experience with breast cancer when her aunt was diagnosed. She offers advice on her journey, now that her aunt is fully recovered. “My advice would just be to lean on the people who are experiencing the same thing you are. It is tough on everyone and no one is alone in this process. Really take advantage of every moment you have with everyone. The best thing you can do when you know someone who is battling breast cancer is to just be nothing but supportive and loving.”
Women are generally at a much greater risk for breast cancer, as men only make up less than 1% of new cases. It is important for women to be doing breast self-exams, instructions to do so can be found on multiple sites such as national breastcancer.org.
