October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Cancer Society and UC San Diego researchers want to communicate that the disease is increasingly becoming more treatable and survivable.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers, accounting for about 30% (1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. Breast cancer screening saves lives and regular screening can catch cancer early when it may be easier to treat.

The current recommendation from the American Cancer Society is that women at average risk should start breast cancer screening by at least age 45. Factors such as family history, genetics, and lifestyle choices can influence when and how often someone should get screened. ​

Dr. Rebecca Shatsky, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, San Diego, also serves as the breast medical oncology team co-team leader at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center. Though advances in medical research and the treatment of breast cancer are greatly increasing positive outcomes, Shatsky noted all of the latest news is not good.

“The incidence of breast cancer in younger women is increasing, and we’ve been tracking that for 20 years trying to figure out why,” Shatsky said adding, “We’re thinking it (increase) could be related to (environmental) carcinogens like microplastics and chemicals found in water. Also, obesity seems to be highly correlated with increasing rates of all cancers for women.”

Is breast cancer ultimately curable? “I sure hope so,” responded Shatsky noting “getting rid of it is a challenge.” She added, “Scientists like myself are trying to get the immune system to target the cancer and cure it.”

Unfortunately, Shatsky added, destroying breast cancer is “tough because it hides pretty well from the immune system. What we’re trying to do is find different ways to alert the immune system to the cancer.”

Regarding what to do and not to do in terms of increasing/decreasing your risk of contracting breast cancer, Shatsky advised: “Exercise is one of those things most highly correlated with decreases in all types of cancer, especially breast cancer. Minimizing alcohol, a carcinogen is huge as well. There is a very high correlation between excess alcohol intake and the incidence of breast cancer.”

Concerning minimizing breast cancer risk, Shatsky said: “We recommend, especially for women at high risk of breast cancer, that they minimize their alcohol intake to no more than three drinks a week. And try to maintain a healthy body weight. Also, know your family history. Certain genetic factors increase the risk of breast cancer. A lot of women don’t realize they are high-risk.”

Shatsky added it might also be a good idea for women to start getting regular mammograms sooner rather than later. “If you have a family history of breast cancer – you should tell your primary doctor to see if you qualify for genetic testing,” she said. “And the other thing I tell women is that they should start getting mammograms every year starting at age 40.”

The good news is breast cancer survival rates are improving with medical advances and treatment. “Survival rates for breast cancer have improved quite dramatically over the past five years,” Shatsky said. “And survival rates, again, depend on how early it (cancer) is found. If you’re diagnosed early, there’s a 91% survival rate after five years, 86% survival rate after 10 years, and 81% rate after 15 years.”

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October is an international health campaign that aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Breast cancer advocacy seeks to: Support people diagnosed with breast cancer; educate people about breast cancer risk factors; encourage women to go for regular breast cancer screening; and fundraise for breast cancer research.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States. It occurs when cells in breast tissue change and divide uncontrolled, typically resulting in a lump or mass. Most breast cancers begin in the milk glands or in the tubes that connect milk glands to the nipple.

Breast cancer typically has no symptoms when it is small and easily treated. This is why mammography screening is important for early detection.

A painless lump in the breast or underarm lymph nodes is the most common sign. Other signs and symptoms include breast pain or heaviness; dimpling, swelling, thickening, or redness; and nipple changes or discharge. Any persistent change in the breast should be evaluated by a physician.

Although there has been substantial progress in reducing breast cancer mortality over the past several decades, some incidences of breast cancer are increasing, with the steepest increasing trend in the disease being among young women.