Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, making it an issue that touches nearly every family. Despite decades of advances in research and treatment, breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death among women.
At Vaya, we know that information is a powerful tool for prevention and early detection. You can take steps to protect your health and support loved ones ins doing the same by knowing when to get screened, living a healthy life, and understanding other risk factors.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Screening has been a major success in preventing deaths due to breast cancer, allowing cancers to be detected when they are most curable. Mammograms can identify tumors too small to feel and reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by 25–30% in women ages 40–69. Although family history of breast cancer is important to know about, most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history so it is vital that all women get screened.
Most women should start with screening mammograms at age 40. Some women with higher risk may need to start screening earlier. It’s important to talk to your primary care provider about when you should start screening, how frequently you should be screened, and what type of imaging is the best option for you.
Lowering Your Risk
Certain lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of breast cancer, including:
- Actividad física regular
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Breastfeeding
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Quitting smoking cigarettes
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Risk Factors: What Increases or Decreases the Chances of Breast Cancer?
When people think about breast cancer risk, family history is often the first thing that comes to mind. Though genetics can play a role, it might surprise you to learn that the majority of women diagnosed have no family history of the disease – meaning most breast cancer cases are not linked to inherited genetic mutations.
Factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer include:
- Edad: Most diagnoses occur in women over 50 years old. However, in the past decade, more young women are being diagnosed with aggressive forms of breast cancer. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you have breast concerns at any age.
- Family history: having a primary relative (meaning a mother or sibling) diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a young age, does increase your risk. Talk with your family and doctor about genetic testing to fully understand risk.
- Reproductive history: Starting menstruation before age 12, experiencing menopause after 55, or never having given birth can each contribute to a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.
- Dense breast tissue: Having dense breast tissue not only increases the risk of breast cancer but can also make mammograms more difficult to interpret. Talk to your doctor about different imaging studies in addition to mammograms for better screening.
- Lifestyle factors: Lack of physical activity, obesity after menopause, alcohol consumption, and smoking may increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Radiation exposure: Radiation exposure, especially during childhood or adolescence (such as radiation used to treat other cancers), can raise the risk of breast cancer.
Whether you are concerned about your own risk or want to support someone you love, here are a few steps you can take today:
- Talk to your healthcare provider about your possible risk factors to determine when and how often you should be screened.
- Schedule your mammogram if you’re due for one and encourage friends and family to do the same.
- Adopt healthy habits that can reduce risk like regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and quitting tobacco. Vaya works with programs proven to support those on the path to tobacco cessation, including smoking, vaping, chewing, or dipping.
- Be aware of your body andreport changes like lumps, skin dimpling, or nipple discharge.
- Support outreach efforts by advocating for policies and programs that increase access to screening and treatment in underserved communities.
En Vaya Total Care health plan includes routine breast cancer screening and breast imaging if necessary in younger women, allowing members to receive early detection breast cancer screening services. By simplifying care through the integration of Medicaid physical and behavioral health services, Vaya helps to ensure that eligible members can access important screenings, including mammograms, as part of their overall health care.
At Vaya, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way – through prevention, screening, treatment, and beyond. Together, we can turn knowledge into action and save more lives.
