According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in eight women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime[1]. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease and encourage preventive screenings and care.
Early Detection
Breast cancer screening is an important part of primary care, which focuses on preventive services to help keep people healthy. Regular health screenings may lead to detection of breast cancer at an early stage when treatment can be most effective.
Mammograms are one of the best ways to detect breast cancer. In fact, more than 90 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage survive their disease for at least five years compared to approximately 15 percent for women diagnosed with the most advanced stage of disease.[2] Sutter Health Plus covers screening mammograms at no out-of-pocket cost for members age 40 and over when authorized by the member’s medical group and primary care physician.
Understanding the Guidelines
Women aged 50 to 74 at average risk for breast cancer should obtain a screening mammogram every other year according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force screening guidelines. However, women aged 40 to 49 may want to consider the advantages, risks and their personal preference for an earlier breast cancer screening. Members should talk to their doctor to determine what’s right for them.
Reducing Breast Cancer Risk Through Diet
Women may minimize their chance of getting breast cancer by making positive changes to eating habits and physical activity to maintain a healthy weight.
| Healthy Habits – Do More! | Potential Risk Factors – Do Less! |
|---|---|
| Add fiber by eating whole grains and beans | Reduce consumption of red or fried meat (no more than 3 ounces per day) |
| Try soy-based foods like edamame, tofu and soymilk | Consume less than 20-35% of your daily calories in fat |
| Eat more fruits (1.5-2.5 cups) and vegetables (2-3.5 cups) per day | Limit yourself to no more than one alcoholic drink daily |
| Exercise regularly – 75 minutes (vigorous) to 150 minutes (moderate) each week | Don’t engage in smoking of any kind: cigarettes, vaping, or other electronic nicotine delivery systems |
Source: Staywell
1 How Common is Breast Cancer?, cancer.org
2 Why is Early Diagnosis Important?, cancerresearchuk.org
