By Connie Colbert
Director, Canyon Health and Wellness Clinic
Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. Each week this month I will highlight important information about breast cancer. I will share the facts about we know, the warning signs, prevention and how to get involved in spreading awareness.
About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it's found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.
Make a difference! Spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.
You can start by participating in the American Cancer Society Making Strides against breast cancer event on October 28th at Tempe Beach Park.
Join the Grand Canyon University team! Walk with us or make a donation to support the cause!
Or come to our kickoff event!
Date: October 10, 2017
Time: 4-6p.m.
Location: Building 19, Classroom 102
Breaking Myths about Breast Cancer
1: Myth: Drinking milk (dairy) causes breast cancer
According to the National Breast Cancer foundation, studies have shown that dairy consumption does not increase your risk of developing breast Cancer. For more information about these studies, please visit:
- American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/how-your-diet-may-affect-your-risk-of-breast-cancer.html.
- International Journal of Epidemiology: https://academic.oup.com/ije/article/31/1/78/655928/Meat-and-dairy-food-consumption-and-breast-cancer.
- Journal of American College of Nutrition: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07315724.2005.10719504
2: Myth: Men do not get breast cancer
Each year it is estimated that approximately 2,190 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 410 will die. While this percentage is still small, men should also check themselves periodically by doing a breast self-exam while in the shower and reporting any changes to their physicians.
3: Myth: Only women with a family history of breast cancer are at risk
Roughly 70 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no identifiable risk factors for the disease. But the family-history risks are these: If a first-degree relative (a parent, sibling, or child) has had or has breast cancer, your risk of developing the disease approximately doubles. Having two first-degree relatives with the disease increases your risk even more.
4: Myth: Caffeine causes breast cancer
No causal connection has been found between drinking caffeine and getting breast cancer; In fact, some research suggests that caffeine may actually lower your risk.
