Every October, we like to share specific information about breast cancer to raise awareness and help empower your health decisions. Follow along this month to stay in the know!
Click here to learn about KBFPC’s Pink Flag campaign in October.
Fact: Most people who develop breast cancer don’t have any breast cancer in their family.
Dive Deeper: Only about 5-10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, most caused by an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. If you are interested in genetic testing for hereditary cancers, contact KBFPC (907-235-3436) to learn more. Regardless of genetic risk, there are other factors related to developing breast cancer such as lifestyle choices, breast tissue density, random mutations in breast tissue, and age – so everyone should get regular mammogram screenings.
Fact: There are things you can do to lower your breast cancer risk.
Dive Deeper: There are many choices you can make to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, including balanced nutrition, enough exercise, and decreasing tobacco use and alcohol consumption. For example, drinking alcohol can raise estrogen levels in the body, and alcohol is a toxin which can damage DNA increasing the risk of developing multiple cancers including breast cancer. Avoiding or cutting back on alcohol is an important way for many women to lower their risk.
Fact: The recommended age to begin screening mammograms is 40 years old.
Dive Deeper: For people of average risk it is recommended to start discussing annual screening mammograms at age 40. “Average risk” means someone with no family or personal history of breast cancer or a genetic mutation linked to increased risk. Mammograms are low-dose X-rays of the breast area, with very little radiation exposure (less than half the amount of radiation the average person is exposed to from natural sources in a year.) Other tools like an ultrasound or MRI can also be used for follow-up in situations where the radiologist would like more information about previous imaging, but regular mammography is still the best screening tool to detect breast cancer early.
Fact: With early detection, the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer is 99%.
Dive Deeper: 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. However, if breast cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, 99% of people will survive 5 years or more. Getting regular mammograms can help establish a baseline of information about your body, making it easier for radiologists to detect changes over time. This helps medical providers identify potentially cancerous cells at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Early detection saves lives!
For more information visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the World Health Organization
~ Join Us for an Event ~
Brake for Breakfast
Wednesday, October 1st 7:30-9:30 am
Drive through one of three locations and treat yourself to a free breakfast bag filled with goodies and lifesaving breast health information!
Homer: at the Alaska Islands and Ocean parking lot, hosted by South Peninsula Hospital
Fritz Creek: at the Fritz Creek General Store parking lot, hosted by Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic
Anchor Point: at the Rise N’ Grind Coffee Shop
Between the Sheets Trivia
Friday, October 17th 7 – 9 pm, Alice’s Champagne Palace
Gear up a team of 6 people for laughs, saucy and informative questions, and a memorable time. Entry is $20 per person. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn something new and support reproductive health access on the Kenai Peninsula.
Wellness Wednesday
Wednesday, October 22nd 5:30-7:30 pm, Kachemak Bay Campus
Breast Cancer Screening for All Ages
Enjoy an evening of free food, gentle movement, and health education from Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic providers. They will discuss breast cancer screening—covering current guidelines, age-specific recommendations, the role of personal and family history, and tips for navigating your care.
