Early detection key to fight cancer

Breast cancer does not solely affect women in the 40-plus age group, though chances of getting the disease increase with age.

The occurrence of breast cancer is rare in women under 30, but not at all uncommon," said Dr. Michael Bourland, emergency physician and president of Emerginet.

Hormone exposure starting from a woman’s first period until menopause is another uncontrollable risk-increasing factor. Hormone exposure through birth control, such as oral contraceptives, is a controllable factor. Past studies of the effects of hormonal birth control seem to slightly increase risk by 10 to 30 percent. Risk decreases within 10 years of stopping oral contraceptive use, according to the authors of "A Prospective Study of Oral Contraceptive Use and Risk of Breast Cancer."

Factors that can be controlled contribute to lifestyle choices that are best made at a young age. Factors include weight, physical activity levels, alcohol and diet, according to the authors of "Alcohol and breast cancer in women: a pooled analysis of cohort studies." Heavier women are statistically less likely to get breast cancer in the short term, but an overall unhealthy lifestyle. Women drinking two to four alcoholic drinks a day increase their risk by 40 percent.

Prevention tactics are beneficial for long-term decrease of chances for breast cancer, according to Dr. Bourland. But for factors that cannot be helped, detection is in essential women of all ages. Presently, there is no mean of detection that is most helpful. Mammograms and self-examination, while aiding in detection, usually catch breast cancer only in more progressed stages when change in tissue or cell development becomes more evident, Bourland said.

"It would be huge if we had diagnostic testing that caught it at an early state," Dr. Bourland said. "Breast cancer is unique in that it responds quickly to treatment. The earlier it’s caught, the better the chances for survival."

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there are several ways to support breast cancer research. Many retailers also sell products where a portion of the proceeds go to benefit research. Yoplait, Pier 1 Imports and Estée Lauder all work with organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation to provide consumers the opportunity to support the cause. This month, Zeta Tau Alpha is hosting its "Think Pink" campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer and funds for research.