October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Early Detection Can Save Lives

Breast Cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in India and the most common cancer diagnosed in American women. Statistics show 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. To add perspective- think about 8 of the closest women you know in your life. One of your dearest friends or family members will hear the words “you have breast cancer”. When breast cancer is detected at an early stage the survival rate increases dramatically.

A mammography is the first step a woman can take to look for signs of breast cancer before any symptoms can develop. Breast cancer prevention also starts withe healthy habits-such as limiting alcohol and staying physically active. In this issue of NJ Primary Care’s Health & Wellness newsletter the Mayo Clinic offers tips and steps you can take to help reduce breast cancer risk. Some risk factors, such as family history, can’t be changed. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk.

Getting your flu shot is also an act that helps protect those around you, from your kids to your elderly neighbors. A quick visit to your primary care doctor in Jersey City can be the difference between staying healthy and spending a week feeling miserable. Want to know how a simple shot can keep you and your loved ones safe this season? Keep reading.

What Can You Do To Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

Research shows that lifestyle changes can decrease the risk of breast cancer, even in women at high risk. To lower your risk:

• Limit alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. The general recommendation — based on research on the effect of alcohol on breast cancer risk — is to limit yourself to no more than one drink a day, as even small amounts increase risk.
• Maintain a healthy weight. If your weight is healthy, work to maintain that weight. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy strategies to accomplish this. Reduce the number of calories you eat each day and slowly increase the amount of exercise.
• Be physically active. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer. Most healthy adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.
• Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy. Combination hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy. You might be able to manage your symptoms with nonhormonal therapies and medications. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you and continue to have your doctor monitor the length of time you’re taking hormones.

Can a Health Diet Prevent Breast Cancer?

Eating a healthy diet might decrease your risk of some types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. For example, women who eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts might have a reduced risk of breast cancer. The Mediterranean diet focuses on mostly on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. People who follow the Mediterranean diet choose healthy fats, such as olive oil, over butter and eat fish instead of red meat.

Contact NJ Primary Care for Your Breast Cancer Screening

As an internal medicine physician, Deval Gadhvi, MD is skilled at performing exams, treating illnesses and answering patients’ questions.  In 2015, at just 39 years old, Dr. Gadhvi’s life drastically changed when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. The physician, with no known risk factors, was now the patient fighting for survival. Her experience as a cancer survivor gave Dr. Gadhvi a new mission in life-to help bring awareness to young girls and women and offer screenings to the most vulnerable communities.  Her organization Let’s Save Ma is a 501(c) 3 dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness for women at an early age. Early detection can save lives, one screening at a time.

If you have not been in for a while and need to schedule an appointment for a Mammogram, click here now to access our online appointment scheduler. You will also have the opportunity to download our health newsletter.