Breast Cancer Awareness - 2019 by Clermont Sun Publishing Company

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH - OCTOBER 2019 page 1

My breast cancer screening story Megan Alley Sun Reporter

turned 40 years old in July, and I was supposed to get my first mammogram screening soon after, but I didn’t. On a recent weekend at the pool, I took a few dives off the spring board, which I never do. The next day, my chest hurt. In my brain, I knew there was an obvious explanation for the pain, but I got scared. Let's backtrack for a minute. I've been a reporter for The Clermont Sun since 2015. Each fall, we write a story for Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. I've written stories about breast cancer survivors, including a man, breast cancer awareness and support groups, and how to give a self breast exam. I'm honored that I get to share these stories with our readers each year. This year, I was planning on writing the story of my 40th birthday mammogram. Yay! I mean, I know how important it is, and I've read and heard all the excuses people give for not getting a timely mammogram, so I thought I'd set a good example by rushing out on my birthday and getting one, and then sharing my story. Right? Well, my birthday came and went, and I, like a lot of people, put off getting my mammogram. In the back of my mind, I maintained that I could

probably still get one in time for my Oct. 3 story deadline for our Breast Cancer Awareness special issue, but I took no action to actually get my mammogram. Then, on Sept. 29, the outside of my left breast started to hurt, bad. I tried to convince myself that those random dives into the pool were the source of my pain … just a pulled muscle or something. I was helping our toddlers load into the car, and I hastily searched on my phone, “Can diving make your breasts hurt?” My search results turned up answers pertaining to “scuba diving with breast implants.” Not what I was looking for. So, after doing a quick self breast exam – no lumps – I went about the rest of my day, convincing myself that I was just having some plain old aches and pains. After all, I am getting older. I went to bed praying that the pain would be gone when I woke up the next day, but it wasn't. I woke up with even more pain, and it seemed to have spread to my right breast, as well. I was scared. I did another self breast exam – no lumps. Phew. But maybe I was missing something? I readied my daughter for preschool, brushing her hair while she smiled into the mirror. I kept my fears in, but my vision al-

most went blurry with fear that, if I did have breast cancer, I might not be around to brush her hair for much longer. I was desperate to continue living the life that I have, all too often, taken for granted. How could I have ever wasted time tidying up, or worrying about laundry, or finding time to fit in my run … life is too short! After I waved my daughter and husband off as they headed to preschool, I grabbed my phone and called my OBGYN’s office to tell them about my pain. I asked them to remind me about the instructions for getting my first mammogram, they told me that one of the prescreening questions that I’d be asked by the office would be whether or not I was having any breast pain. If I answered ‘Yes, I was having pain,’ they’d refer me to my OBGYN to do a prescreening breast exam. I thought I might perhaps call to schedule my mammogram, and answer the question disingenuously, to avoid an added doctor’s visit, but my husband, being the clearminded person that he is, convinced me otherwise. I scheduled the appointment with my OBGYN for a breast exam, ahead of scheduling my mammogram screening appointment. My appointment date, the afternoon of Oct. 4, both dragged on and

rushed forward. It was near judgement day, as far as I was concerned. I tried to act normal in the days and hours leading up to the appointment, but let’s face it, I was freaking out. The morning of my appointment, I kissed my family good-bye, knowing that I the next time I saw them, I would have either great news, or not so great news. As I later drove myself from work to my OBGYN’s office, I was stressed. As I arrived at the doctor, my husband texted me a ‘heart’ emoji and a note from our kids. I needed that. As the nurses checked me in, I joked with them, my common defense for dealing with my own nerves, about ‘this and that.’ When I was called in to have my blood pressure taken, they noted that it was indeed high, a clear reflection of the fact that I was losing my mind with anxiety about the whole thing. The nurse then walked me to the exam room and instructed me to put on my gown. I did, and then I sat, alone, waiting for what felt like the most important news of my life. My OBGYN, whom I love and adore, came in and got to work. I told her what had brought me in, and she seemed to understand exactly what I was going

through; she ‘got’ me. She empathized with my somewhat irrational thoughts and fears, and she paid respect to the matter at hand. She examined my right breast, and then my left, and then she told me that everything seemed normal. I breathed, for what felt like the first time in nearly a week. ‘Bless you,’ I thought. ‘Thank you,’ I said. She gave me instructions and a referral, again, for getting my mammogram screening. I texted my husband the good news, and then I phoned the recommended hospital’s breast center immediately after, from the lobby of my OBGYN’s office, and set my appoint

for the following Monday; the afternoon of Oct. 7. I felt pretty confident that I was going to get the ‘all clear,’ but I still needed to finally get my mammogram, and I felt a little undone until I did. Finally, the big day was upon us, and I was ready. I was instructed not to wear lotion or deodorant, and when I arrived, I put on an exam shirt — think hospital gown, but half length. I put my purse and clothes in a locker, and joined another patient in the waiting area. After briefly thumbing through a few magazines, I was called back. It was time to get my mammogram. While I was pretty nervcontinued on page 3

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH - OCTOBER 2019

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The power of knowing By Wayne Gates

nxiety and uncertainty are two of the biggest issues that many cancer patients and their families have to confront. Waiting for test results and a possible cancer diagnosis is described by many people as one of the worst parts of the entire process. One local health system has found a way to cut the waiting time for test results and a diagnosis from up to six weeks to just two days. The Mercy Health System in Cincinnati began the ‘I Know’ program areawide on Oct. 1. Ruth Woolsey, Director of Imaging Services for Mercy Health, said “We feel that it shares a sense of empowerment to a woman. We offer same day screen-

ing of mammography results. And if the patient needs it and desires to do so, we can complete any additional imaging up to an including a biopsy of a suspicious area.” Woolsey said those pathology results are usually available within 24 hours. “The significance of that is that it removes the anxiety of waiting. In previous years, it’s taken up anywhere from one to two weeks to get the mammography results, and then another one to two weeks to get any other imaging or a biopsy, and then another two weeks for biopsy results.” Woolsey said that it’s always best to start cancer treatment as soon as possible, and that the ‘I Know’ program can save weeks of

waiting. However, she added that “The biggest benefit is to contributing to the peace of mind of the patient. Not waiting weeks to know whether you have cancer or not and the peace of mind of starting your treatment quicker are both beneficial to the patient.” Woolsey said that whether the news is good or bad for patients, “The comments are all the same. Whether they were positive for cancer or negative for cancer, they still all share the same idea that it was so much better to know without having to wait and wonder.” Woolsey said that the ‘I Know’ program; • Provides same day mammography results • Reduces the time between mammogram screening to additional imaging from weeks to hours • Decreases the time between diagnostic mammograms to biopsies from days to hours • Decreases the turnaround time from biopsies to results to one business day or less “To our knowledge, Mercy Health in Cincinnati

is the only one offering this program locally,” she added. When asked how the Mercy system accomplished the new procedures, Woolsey said “It took a multidisciplinary team of clinicians that included pathologists, radiologists and surgeons. We had to rework our workflow process for patients. We looked for ways that we could be simultaneously working together and eliminated the waste out of the process.” She added that the Mercy staff is benefitting from the new program as well. “Anyone who is in healthcare takes great pride in helping people. If we can eliminate just one per-

son’s anxiety, that means the world to us. That’s why we do what we do.” Woolsey said that patients who already have appointments are asked if they want to participate in the program. For those who want to make an appointment, Woolsey said “All they have to do is call

and schedule their annual mammogram through our central scheduling department. They can specify that they want to be part of the ‘I Know’ program at that point.” The central scheduling number for Mercy is (513) 956-3729.

A new way to fight breast cancer

reating breast cancer is a complex process that typically involves various therapies, both medicinal and therapeutic. Now patients have another option in their cancer-fighting arsenals. Approved in May 2019, a new oral drug can be

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used for men and women with hormone receptor (HR-positive), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, PIK3CA-mutated, or advanced or metastatic breast cancer following disease progression on or after an endocrine-based regimen, according to the American Journal of Managed Care. Alpelisib, which is sold under the brand name Piqray® by Novartis, is used in combination with fulvestrant, a hormone therapy for the treatment of men and postmenopausal women. Alpelisib addresses the effect of PIK3CA mutations and may help overcome endocrine resistance in HR+ advanced breast cancer, advises Novartis. When breast cancer is HR+, patients often are treated with anti-hormonal drugs (also called endocrine therapy), alone or in combination with other medicines, or chemotherapy. The Federal Drug Administration found Alpelisib to just about double the average progression-free survival — when used with Fulvestrant — than Fulvestrant alone. Patients also experienced double the rate of reduction in tumor size. “[The medication] is the first PI3K inhibitor to demonstrate a clinically meaningful benefit in treating patients with this type of breast cancer,” said Richard Pazdur, M.D., director of the FDA’s Oncology Center of Excellence, The ability to target specific gene mutations or biomarkers as they apply to cancer treatment has become a growing subset of overall treatment with great benefits. “For the first time, physicians can test for PIK3CA biomarkers and develop a treatment plan based on the genomic profile of a patient’s cancer,” says Fabrice André, MD, PhD, research director and professor in the Department of Medical Oncology at Institut Gustave Roussy in Villejuif, France. Thanks to advancing breast cancer research and innovative targeted therapies, men and women now have even more options when it comes to treating their disease.

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH - OCTOBER 2019

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The 3 most common types of breast cancer Millions of women across the globe are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. The World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research notes that more than two million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in 2018, making the disease one of the most commonly occurring cancers in the world. Upon receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, patients typically have a number of questions, including which type of breast cancer they have. The American Cancer Society notes that there are many types of breast cancer, though some are more common than others. Learning to distinguish between the more common types of breast cancer, which include invasive ductal carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive lobular carcinoma, can help patients and their support teams better understand this difficult, yet beatable disease. What are carcinomas? The ACS reports that

most breast cancers are carcinomas. Carcinomas are tumors that start in the epithelial cells that line organs and tissue throughout the body. Carcinomas can spread to other parts of the body, even though they do not always do so. Invasive ductal carcinoma Sometimes referred to as “IDC,” invasive ductal carcinoma accounts for between 70 and 80 percent of all breast cancers, making it the most common type of the disease, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.®. Invasive means the cancer has spread from the milk ducts, where IDC originates, to the surrounding breast tissues. Ductal carcinoma in situ Ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, is a noninvasive breast cancer that starts inside the milk ducts. BreastCancer.org notes that “in situ” means the cancer is still in its original place, not having spread beyond the milk duct to

any surrounding breast tissue. That’s helpful to know, as it calms patients’ fears knowing the cancer has been caught before it could metastasize, or spread. One out of every five new breast cancer cases is DCIS. While that might sound alarming, BreastCancer.org notes that DCIS incidence rates are possibly so high because people are living longer than they used to (a person’s risk for breast cancer increases with age) and education about breast cancer screening appears to be working, compelling more women to get mammograms. Invasive lobular carcinoma The ACS notes that roughly 10 percent of all invasive breast cancers are invasive lobular carcinomas, or ILC. The word “lobular” means that the cancer began in the lobules, which produce milk and empty out into the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. When a person is diagnosed with ILC, that

means the cancer has broken through the wall of the lobule and has started invading the tissues of the breast. Over time, ILC can spread to the lymph nodes

and possibly even other areas of the body. The type of breast cancer a person has will affect his or her treatment. As prevalent as breast cancer

may seem, it is beatable, and many people overcome the disease and go on to live happy, full lives.

Did you know? Though women may notice various signs and symptoms that could be indicative of breast cancer, breast pain is generally not one of them. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® notes that there are various harmless causes of breast pain, such as puberty, menstruation and child birth, but that breast pain is not commonly a symptom of cancer. However, in rare instances breast pain may correlate with cancer. For example, breast tumors may cause pain, but cancerous tumors are not generally reported as painful. Though it may not be linked to breast cancer, breast pain should still be reported to a physician immediately, advises the NBCF.

My breast cancer screening story continued from page 1 ous about the whole endeavor, I was also pretty excited. I was a woman of a certain age, a woman who was getting a mammogram, and I was pretty damn excited about it. ‘I have arrived,’ I thought. The tech walked me into the mammogram room, and there it was, the machine that I knew was likely going to cause some discomfort. After answering some routine questions, it was time. We started with the left side — two different positions, two different squishes. I’ll be honest, it didn’t feel good. In fact, it was down right uncomfortable. Ouch. But, the pain was nothing to be afraid of. And it certainly wasn’t worth avoiding, and thus jeopardizing one’s chance at early detection of breast cancer. Then it was on to the right side - two different positions, two different squishes. I got this. Then, it was over. Time to wait — about 20 minutes — for my results.

(I opted in to a new program that offers patients same day/early results.) I went back to the waiting room, and the woman who had been there earlier was there, either still, or again, I couldn’t tell. Shortly later, a tech came out and called her back to get her results. Then, I was there, alone with my thoughts. Another tech came out and said my results would be ready in just a few minutes. I waited, and then it was my turn. The tech came out, and just told me right there that my screening results were ‘normal.’ ‘Thank you,’ I said. I texted my husband the good news, and I got dressed. As I walked out of the breast center, I thanked the techs and receptionists for their hard work. I waved good-bye and told them that I looked forward to seeing them again next year. I walked to my car, breathed in the fresh air, and reminded myself that life is too short, and too beautiful, to take for

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granted. I write about this experience knowing that there really is no ‘normal.’ If my screening were to have shown signs of a tumor, and breast cancer, that would be my new normal. I’m sharing my experience with the simple goal of encouraging people to get their annual mammograms. If you’re late on getting

one, who cares, make your appointment today to get one. It’s not about the steps that you didn’t’ take; it’s about the steps you do take. I’m honored to share other peoples’ stories, most of the time, and I’ve had the privilege of writing and sharing other peoples’ breast cancer awareness stories. This year, I appreciate you letting me share mine.

The tech came out, and just told me right there that my screening results were ‘normal.’

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Potential treatment options after a breast cancer diagnosis “Thankfully, breast cancer survival rates are high in many parts of the world...”

breast cancer diagnosis is something no one wants to receive. But the burden of breast cancer is substantial. In fact, the World Health Organization notes that breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women worldwide. Thankfully, breast cancer survival rates are high in many parts of the world, particularly in developed countries such as the United States, Canada and Japan. While survival rates are lower in developing countries, it is encouraging to know that the average five-year survival rates are

as high as 90 percent in some nations. That suggests that the strategies used to successfully fight breast cancer in developed nations may one day prove as effective in developing nations, potentially leading to a sharp decline in global breast cancer deaths. Upon being diagnosed with breast cancer, patients will be educated about a host of potential treatment options. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that breast cancer is treated in several ways, and the course of treatment a doctor recommends will depend on the

kind of breast cancer and how far it has spread. In addition, according to Breastcancer.org, breast cancer is made up of many different kinds of cancer cells, which often necessitates the use of various types of treatments to get rid of the cancer. The following are some treatment options doctors may discuss with breast cancer patients. • Surgery: Breastcancer.org notes that surgery is typically the first line of attack against breast cancer. The CDC says the goal of surgery is to cut out cancer tissue. Some com-

mon breast cancer surgeries include lumpectomy, in which the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue is removed, and mastectomy, in which all of the breast tissue is removed. • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is used to treat various types of cancer and involves the administration of special medicines to shrink or kill existing cancer cells. Breastcancer.org notes that chemotherapy is sometimes administered prior to surgery in an attempt to shrink the cancer. • Radiation therapy: Ra-

diation therapy aims to kill cancer cells using high-energy rays that are similar to X-rays. Sometimes referred to as “radiotherapy,” radiation therapy is overseen by a radiation oncologist who specializes in this type of treatment. • Hormonal therapy: Estrogen makes hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers grow, and hormonal therapy, which may be referred to as “anti-estrogen” therapy, aims to reduce the amount of estrogen in the body and block its action on breast cancer cells. • Targeted therapies:

These therapies, which Breastcancer.org notes are generally less likely than chemotherapy to harm normal, healthy cells, target specific characteristics of the cancer cells. Cancer cells can have many characteristics, so there are various types of targeted therapies. Breast cancer treatments can be highly effective in the fight against breast cancer, particularly when the disease is caught in its early stages.

Why it’s important to discuss cancer screenings with your doctor

ancer affects people from all walks of life. The American Cancer Society says that, in 2019, there will be approximately 141,000 cancer cases diagnosed and about 103,000 cancer deaths in the United States. Breast cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer are some of the most common cancers, although just about any area of the body can be affected by the cell mutations that lead to cancer. There is no cure for cancer, although billions of

dollars are spent each year researching the disease and potential cures. Until a cure has been found, individuals must rely on screenings and prevention methods. Cancer screening tests are designed to find cancers in their earliest stages, when the disease is most treatable. Many cancer screening tests have been found to lower the death rate from particular cancers, according to the health and wellness resource site MedicineNet. The Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention supports various cancer screening tests as recommended by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force. The average person should discuss with their physicians their risk for certain cancers. By considering individual medical history, family health history and/or prior screening results, doctors can develop a screening plan to reduce patients’ risk of cancer. • Breast cancer: Mammograms can help find breast abnormalities early

on when they are easier to treat and can produce a very good success rate. • Colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy: These tests help detect colorectal cancer early on and also may help prevent the disease. These tests can find abnormal colon growths that can be removed before they become cancer. • Cervical cancer: A Pap test can find abnormal cells in the cervix that may turn into cancer. Early detection of cervical cancer increases survival rates. • Lung cancer: Yearly

lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography for those with a history of smoking, particularly heavy smoking, is often recommended. Prostate cancer testing, including blood tests and a digital rectal exam, used to be the norm. However, Cancer.org says expert groups no longer recommend routine prostate cancer screenings because many of these cancers are not deadly and early detection has not been shown to reduce the chances of dying from prostate can-

cer. Some people may still ask to be screened for prostate cancer as well as cancers of the ovaries, pancreas, testicles, and thyroid even though screenings have not been shown to reduce deaths from those cancers. Some cancer screenings are recommended to help catch cancer early and prevent the disease from progressing. People are urged to speak with their doctors about which tests are best for them.

Breast cancer signs and symptoms B reast cancer is a formidable foe. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 627,000 women lost their lives to breast cancer in 2018. But women are not helpless in the fight against breast cancer, as the WHO notes early detection is critical and could potentially save thousands of lives each year. A proactive approach is a key component of protecting oneself against breast cancer. While the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® notes that many breast cancer symptoms are invisible and not noticeable without a professional cancer screening, women can keep an eye out for certain signs of

breast cancer they might be able to detect on their own. Monthly self-exams can help women more easily identify changes in their breasts. During such selfexams, women can look for the following signs and symptoms and are advised to report any abnormalities they discover to their physicians immediately. • Changes in how the breast or nipple feels: The NBCF says nipple tenderness or a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm could indicate the presence of breast cancer. Some women may notice changes in the skin texture or an enlargement of the pores in the skin of their breast. In many instances, skin texture has been described as being

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similar to the texture of an orange peel. Lumps in the breast also may indicate breast cancer, though not all lumps are cancerous. • Change in appearance of the breast or nipple: Unexplained changes in the size or shape of the breast; dimpling anywhere on the breast; unexplained swelling or shrinking of the breast, particularly when the shrinking or swelling is exclusive to one side only; and a nipple that is turned slightly inward or inverted are some signs and symptoms of breast cancer that can affect the appearance of the breast or nipple. It is common for women’s breasts to be asymmetrical, but sudden asymmetry should be brought to the attention

of a physician. • Discharge from the nipple: The NBCF notes that any discharge from the nipple, but particularly a clear or bloody discharge, could be a sign of breast

cancer. The NBCF also advises women that a milky discharge when they are not breastfeeding is not linked to breast cancer but should be discussed with a physician.

Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of breast cancer can increase the likelihood of early diagnosis, which greatly improves women’s chances of surviving this disease.

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH - OCTOBER 2019

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Debunking common myths associated with breast cancer

ancer claims the lives of millions of people across the globe every year. But the fight against cancer is anything but hopeless, as the World Health Organization notes that between 30 and 50 percent of all cancer cases are preventable. Learning about cancer is one of the best ways for people to protect themselves from this deadly disease. Researchers continue to learn more about cancer everyday and routinely discover that information once thought to be accurate was actually off-base.

Despite researchers’ best efforts, some myths about cancer still prevail. Some of these myths are about cancer in general, while others refer to specific cancers, including breast cancer. Myths about breast cancer can be as harmful as accurate information is helpful, so learning the truth and debunking those myths can be an important part of women’s preventive approach to breast cancer. • Myth: Drinking milk increases your risk for breast cancer. The American Cancer Society notes that early studies raised

concerns that drinking milk from cows treated with hormones could increase a person’s risk for breast cancer. However, ensuing research failed to find a clear link between the two. In fact, a 2002 study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found no significant association between dairy fluid intake and breast cancer risk. • Myth: Lumps indicate breast cancer. The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® says that only a small percentage of breast lumps turn out to be can-

cer. However, abnormalities or changes in breast tissue should always be brought to the attention of a physician. • Myth: Mammograms cause breast cancer to spread. This myth is rooted in the incorrect notion that breast compression while getting a mammogram causes the cancer to spread. However, the NBCF insists that cannot happen. In fact, the National Cancer Institute touts the benefits of mammograms while the ACS recommends women between the ages of 45 and

54 get mammograms every year. For additional breast cancer screening guidelines, visit the ACS at www.cancer.org. • Myth: Women with a family history of breast cancer are likely to develop breast cancer, too. This myth is dangerous because, if taken at face value, it can give women with no family history of breast cancer a false sense of security. However, the NBCF notes that only about 10 percent of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease. The Centers for Dis-

ease Control and Prevention note that a woman’s risk for breast cancer is higher if she has a first-degree relative, including a mother, sister, daughter, or even a male family member, who have had the disease. But breast cancer can affect anyone, regardless of their family history. Information is a valuable asset in the fight against breast cancer. Learning to decipher between accurate and false information can be especially valuable.

Using diet and exercise to prevent breast cancer

hen it comes to breast cancer risk, some things are beyond a person’s control. Women might not be able to do much in regard to their genetic makeup and family history, each of which can elevate their risk for breast cancer, but many risk factors are within women’s control. A healthy diet and routine exercise may help women reduce their risk of developing breast cancer, while poor lifestyle choices can increase that risk. For example, being overweight is a strong risk factor for breast cancer for women who are 18 and older, advises Stanford Health Care. Even 10 percent weight gain (or 15

pounds on a 150-pound woman) increases breast cancer risk as well as the risk of recurrence. Diet and exercise can play a pivotal role in reducing breast cancer risk, and it’s important for women to understand just how much good healthy diets and routine exercise can do for them in regard to fighting breast cancer. • Stanford Health Care says some studies suggest limiting dietary fats in the diet, particularly those that come from animals, to reduce breast cancer risk. These include butter, fullfat dairy, poultry skin, and fatty meats. Reducing intake of dietary fats, especially animal fats, may protect against diseases sensitive to hormones, like

breast cancer. • Data from the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living study suggests that soy consumption from whole foods and soy milk for any breast cancer type is probably safe, despite public perceptions. Avoid soy supplements and concentrated soy that comes in many soy protein powders until more about their effects is known. • The American Cancer society links alcohol consumption to a higher risk of various cancers, including breast cancer. The more alcohol a person drinks, the higher his or her cancer risk. The ACS recommends no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. A five-ounce glass of wine

is considered one drink. • Susan G. Komen® says a high body mass index has been associated with increased risk for postmenopausal breast cancer. Exercise may help reduce risk by altering metabolism, hormones and breast density. • Inflammation is an immune system response to injury or illness. However, when inflammation is chronic, it can damage DNA and lead to cancer, advises the National Cancer Institute. Deep marine fish; dark, leafy green vegetables; bright, multi-colored vegetables; black teas; and spices like turmeric can help fight or prevent inflammation. • The ACS recommends adults get at least 150 min-

utes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorousintensity activity each week (or a combination), preferably spread throughout the week to keep body weight in check. • Stanford Health Care says consumption of high amounts of sugar can increase insulin levels and result in weight gain, each

of which can lead to breast cancer. Limit intake of sugary snacks and refined carbohydrates, opting for healthy alternatives such as fruit, vegetables, beans, whole grains, dairy, and soy milk. Diet and exercise is vital to overall health and can help women reduce their risk for breast cancer.

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