Nurse Practitioner Leigh Ann Klein spoke about Women’s Health on the KSST Good Morning Show with Enola Gay. “Because October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s beneficial to remind women that their genetics and family history play a large role in determining risk for developing breast cancer. So, during holidays and family times, it is a good time for women to pass along this valuable information to daughters, nieces and granddaughters about any occurrence of breast cancer in the family”. Klein states that when women begin going for regular mammograms at about age 40, this knowledge of the history of other women in her family is potentially life-saving knowledge.
According to statistics, the average woman has about a 12% chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime. But, those who carry certain genes have a much higher risk factor. “Annual visits to your doctor are very important because that’s where routine lab tests can detect the presence of these genes. Monthly breast self-examinations along with annual doctor visits and mammograms are a woman’s first line of defense. And remember, precautions are equally as important for men with a family history of breast cancer”.
October’s many fundraisers and “pink” events keep awareness high for breast cancer and it’s risks. Share your family’s history with other women and girls in the family. And if you haven’t already, begin habits that could lead to early detection and perhaps prevent breast cancer development.
