This month is the 25th Anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

What do we now know now about breast cancer? We know that it’s the most common cancer in women over the age of fifty, that statistics show that each of us has a 1 in 8 chance of developing it, and a 1 in 33 chance of dying from it over our lifetime.

One thing to remember: even though we cannot change the above factors, simply our knowing about them and thus, knowing that we are risk, allows us to practice the measures that can lead to early detection of a cancer and the possibility of a cure, or at least, a much better outcome. So if you have one or more of the above risk factors, don’t despair – be proactive for your own good health. How to do that follows in a moment.

A further word about a couple of the above risk factors. Although Caucasian women have the highest risk of getting breast cancer, African American women have a higher risk of death from the disease. This is thought to be partially due to the fact that the disease is caught later in these women. Hispanic, Asian American, and Native American women have a lower risk than either of the above two groups. As for family history, if you have one or two first degree relatives (mother, daughter, sister) with breast cancer, your risk goes up dramatically, so you may want to be examined more frequently than is normally recommended if this is the case.

Those factors that put us at risk for breast cancer that we can change are being overweight or obese, having a sedentary lifestyle, and drinking too much alcohol. Currently being intensively studied, among other factors, is the role certain foods and nutrients play in the development of breast cancer.

What can you do to prevent this disease, or at the very least, to have the best outcome if you do get it? You can be proactive in the following two broad categories: establishing a routine for screening your breasts (and a team approach with your care providers) and establishing a healthy lifestyle. If you are fifty or over, you should be getting an annual mammogram; if you are still in your 40’s, it’s recommended that you get one every two years unless you have one or more of risk factors, or your clinician recommends them more frequently. Remember that mammograms are not always 100% accurate; they can miss tumors. If your breasts are dense you should ask your clinician whether you should have a digital mammogram or a MRI of your breasts. In addition, you should be having at least one annual breast exam by a professional, such as your gynecologist or internist; it makes the most sense to schedule your Gyn exam or your regular internal medicine check up six months away from your mammogram, so that you will have a professional breast check at least twice a year.

You should also be doing a self examination on your own breasts monthly. Don’t forget to examine your nipples and under your arms. If you’re uncomfortable in general with what you’re feeling when you examine yourself, here’s an idea: right after your Gyn or your internist has done a breast exam, go home and do one yourself that very day. That way, you’ll know what’s normal for you. Also, many clinicians have a realistic model of a breast – with and without lumps – on which you can practice the exam; ask about this. But, regardless, if you find something in your breast, even if you think you’re not good at examining yourself, see your clinician – it could save your life.