Breast Cancer Prevention

Lifestyle Changes

Do you worry about getting breast cancer? You're not alone. Most women think about breast cancer at least once in awhile and wonder what they can do to prevent it. While there are some factors you can't control,¹ we at Athena® want to help you make healthy changes to reduce your risk. Here are some breast cancer prevention strategies proven by scientific research:

• Get moving. Studies show that exercise reduces breast cancer risk.¹ Aim for intentional physical activity for 45 to 60 minutes for 5 or more days per week.² If you're new to exercise, start slowly, and build gradually.
• Control your weight. Being overweight after menopause, or because of weight gain that took place as an adult, is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.¹ Although the relationship between diet and breast cancer prevention is unclear, it is clear that a healthy diet helps you maintain a healthy weight and has other health benefits, as well.³
• Limit alcohol. Drinking alcohol, including beer, wine or liquor, is now clearly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.^1,3 Women who have one drink a day have a small increased risk, while those who consume 2 to 5 drinks daily have about 1½ times the risk of women who drink no alcohol.¹ If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than 1 drink per day.

For More Information:
¹What are the risk factors for breast cancer?, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/OverviewGuide/breast-cancer-overview-what-causes
²Lifestyle-related factors, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/MoreInformation/BreastCancerEarlyDetection/breast-cancer-early-detection-risk-lifestyle-related
³Breast cancer prevention: How to reduce your risk, Mayo Clinic, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer-prevention/WO00091

Breast Cancer Prevention

Screening Guidelines

Know your body and be alert to any breast cancer symptoms or changes. Report any lump, mass or breast change to your doctor. But don't wait until you have a symptom to be checked. Screening tests can help find breast cancer before any symptoms appear.² Screening mammograms have increased the number of breast cancers found early.¹. Here are some screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society:

• Get a mammogram. Women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year as long as they are in good health.¹ If you are at high risk of developing breast cancer, ask your doctor whether you should begin mammograms earlier.¹
• Schedule a clinical breast exam. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam by a health care expert at least every three years as part of a regular health check-up.¹ After age 40, women should have a clinical breast exam every year.¹
• Know breast cancer symptoms, and be aware of what your breasts normally look and feel like. Although research has shown that breast self-exams play only a small role in finding breast cancer, a self-exam is one way to notice changes in your breasts.¹ The most common symptom is a new lump or mass. Although most breast lumps are not cancer, it's important to report any breast change to your doctor.¹ Other possible signs include breast swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, breast or nipple pain, a nipple turned inward, redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin, nipple discharge other than breast milk, or a swollen lymph node.² Have a health care professional check any of these symptoms immediately, regardless of whether your most recent screening test was clear.
• Get an MRI if you are at high risk. Women who have a 20% or greater lifetime risk of breast cancer should get magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a mammogram every year. Discuss with your health care provider the best age at which to begin screening.¹ Women with a moderately increased risk should talk with their doctors about whether to add MRI screening to their yearly mammograms.¹ A yearly MRI is not recommended if your lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.¹ To find out more about what makes a woman high risk, see the American Cancer Society® document, Breast Cancer.^1,3

For More Information:
¹American Cancer Society recommendations for early breast cancer detection in women without breast symptoms, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/MoreInformation/BreastCancerEarlyDetection/breast-cancer-early-detection-acs-recs
²Breast Cancer: Early Detection, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/MoreInformation/BreastCancerEarlyDetection/breast-cancer-early-detection-signs-symptoms-br-ca
³What are the risk factors for breast cancer?, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-risk-factors

Breast Cancer Prevention

Pregnancy and Hormones

Did you know that use of hormone therapy or birth control pills may affect your chances of developing breast cancer.¹ Athena, the goddess of wisdom, armed herself with knowledge. As an Athena® warrior, we hope you'll do the same. Here are a few things to think about:

• Know your risk. If you have never had children or you had your first child after age 30, you have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer.¹ On the other hand, breast-feeding your children may decrease your risk slightly.¹
• Talk to your doctor about birth control pills. Some studies have shown that women using oral contraceptives have a slightly greater risk of breast cancer than women who have never used them.¹ However the risk seems to go back to normal over time once the pills are stopped.¹ Before starting or stopping birth control pills, talk to your doctor about your individual situation.¹
• Learn about the potential risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Some types of post-menopausal hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy, increase the risk of breast cancer.¹ Combined hormone therapy, which includes both estrogen and progesterone, has been linked to a higher risk of getting breast cancer and perhaps even a greater risk of dying from it.¹ The good news is that five years after stopping hormone therapy, the risk seems to return to normal.¹ The use of estrogen alone does not seem to significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer, however some studies have shown that using estrogen for more than 10 years may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.¹ Using estrogen alone also may increase the risk of stroke and blood clots.¹ Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy in your particular situation.

Source:
¹What are the risk factors for breast cancer?, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-risk-factors

Breast Cancer Treatment

Medical Treatment

Millions of women are surviving breast cancer today because of early detection and new ground-breaking women's cancer treatment. If you have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, ask your doctor about the best treatments for your particular situation. Treatments fall into several categories, depending on how they work and when they are used. Local therapy, such as surgery and radiation, treat the tumor at the site without affecting the rest of the body.¹ Systemic therapy, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy, fights cancer cells throughout the body.¹ Here is an overview of treatment options you may encounter and wish to discuss with your health care provider:

• Surgery: In most cases, surgery is recommended to remove as much of the cancer as possible.² Surgery also may be done to discover whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.² The most common types of breast cancer surgery include lumpectomy, which removes only the breast lump and some normal tissue around it; partial mastectomy, which removes up to one-quarter of the breast; and mastectomy, which removes the entire breast and sometimes lymph nodes under the arm.² Other surgeries you may encounter include lymph node surgery to remove one or more lymph nodes from under the arm.² If you've had a mastectomy or aren't happy with the way your breast looks after other surgery, you may also choose reconstructive surgery.²
• Radiation: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors, and it is often given after surgery.³ The method most often used is external beam radiation, which is similar to getting a regular X-ray, but for a longer time.³ Another type of radiation, brachytherapy, involves placing radioactive pellets into the breast tissue next to the cancer; it may be given along with external beam radiation or on its own.³
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy (cancer-killing drugs), may be put into a vein, given as a shot or taken orally.⁴ These drugs, which enter the bloodstream, are useful for treating cancer that may have spread to distant organs.⁴ Some patients receive chemo after surgery, even if there is no sign that the cancer has spread, to prevent the cancer from coming back.⁴ Other patients receive chemo before surgery, to first shrink large tumors or to see how the cancer responds.⁴ If you are undergoing chemotherapy, you may experience side effects since the drugs that kill cancer cells also damage some normal cells.⁴
• Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is most often used to reduce the risk of cancer coming back after surgery, but it may also be used for breast cancer that has spread or come back after treatment.⁵ Hormone therapy most often involves drugs that block estrogen or change hormone levels.⁵ In some cases, hormone therapy includes removing or shutting down the ovaries.⁵
• Targeted Therapy: Most often used alongside chemotherapy, targeted therapy involves newer drugs that are aimed at cancer-causing gene changes.⁶ They work differently than standard chemo drugs, often causing less severe side effects.⁶
• Clinical Trials: Clinical trials, carefully controlled research studies with patient volunteers, test promising new treatments and procedures.⁷ If you're interested in learning about clinical trials, visit the American Cancer Society website at cancer.org/clinicaltrials or the National Cancer Institute website at cancer.gov/clinicaltrials, and discuss options with your doctor.⁷

For More Information:
¹General types of treatment, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/OverviewGuide/breast-cancer-overview-treating-general-infor
²Surgery for breast cancer, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/OverviewGuide/breast-cancer-overview-treating-surgery
³Radiation therapy, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/OverviewGuide/breast-cancer-overview-treating-radiation
⁴Chemotherapy, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/OverviewGuide/breast-cancer-overview-treating-chemotherapy
⁵Hormone Therapy, http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-treating-hormone-therapy
⁶Targeted therapy, http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-treating-targeted-therapy
⁷Clinical Trials, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/OverviewGuide/breast-cancer-overview-treating-clinical-trials

Breast Cancer Treatment

Non-medical Therapies

If you have breast cancer, chances are you've heard about nonmedical ways to treat your cancer or symptoms. Well-meaning friends and family may suggest vitamins, herbs, special diets, or other treatments.¹ While the decision is ultimately yours, it's important to talk with your doctor and thoroughly research any non-standard treatment you are considering. Here are a few points to consider:

• Complementary or Alternative? Complementary therapies refer to methods used along with your regular medical care.¹ Alternative therapies are used instead of medical treatment.¹ It can be confusing, as not everyone uses these terms the same way.¹ Make sure you know the difference. Most complementary therapies are used to help you feel better.¹ Examples include acupuncture to reduce pain or peppermint tea to relieve nausea.¹ Alternative therapies, which have not been proven safe or effective in clinical trials, may be offered as cures and are used instead of standard medical treatments.¹
• What's safe? Many complementary methods are helpful, while some are harmless but haven't been proven effective.¹ Others may be harmful or interfere with your medical treatment, so be sure to check with your medical team before beginning complementary therapy.¹ Alternative treatments, however, are often downright dangerous. Some have life-threatening side effects or delay you from getting crucial medical treatments.¹
• How do I learn more? The best sources of information, along with your doctor, are reputable organizations, such as the American Cancer Society® and the National Cancer Institute. Avoid unproven websites, and use Internet groups for support rather than specific medical advice. Beware of anyone who promises to cure your cancer, suggests you forgo regular medical treatment, or asks you to travel to another country.¹ Don't be afraid to discuss nonmedical treatments with your medical team. Your doctors are there to help you and can advise you about safely using some nontraditional methods.¹

Source:
¹Complementary and alternative therapies, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/OverviewGuide/breast-cancer-overview-treating-c-a-m

Breast Cancer Treatment

Treatment Support

Athena®'s founder, Trish May, breast cancer survivor, understands the importance of support. Along with a compassionate medical team, she had a wide network of personal support when she battled breast cancer. She is paying that support forward, not only through Athena® but also through advocacy and involvement with several organizations. Whether you need support as a patient, as a caregiver or as a mom, Athena® wants to help you find it.

• Support for Patients: When you're battling breast cancer, it's easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of tests, treatments and procedures. But it's also important to focus on your emotional and psychological well being. You may find comfort through your family, friends, house of worship or spiritual group. You may benefit from a breast cancer support group, an online community or an individual counselor. Choose whatever combination works best for you. The American Cancer Society® is a great resource. Check out Reach to Recovery, which pairs breast cancer patients with breast cancer survivors, or one of the Society's online communities, such as Cancer Survivors Network or Circle of Sharing.™ Or check out WhatNext, a social network created with the participation of the American Cancer Society.¹ We, at Athena®, want to provide personal support, as well. Become a fan of the Athena® Facebook page, read the survivors stories on this website or follow our blog to connect with others on your journey.
• Support for Caregivers: It's a job you hope you never have – caring for a spouse, partner, family member or close friend who has breast cancer. Chances are when your loved one's world was turned upside-down, so was yours. In addition to feelings of fear, worry and sadness, you may be facing overwhelming responsibilities.² The American Cancer Society® provides wonderful resources for caregivers on topics including communication, understanding the health care system, legal concerns, caring for a cancer patient at home and long-distance care giving among others.^2,3 Just remember, caring for your loved one also means taking care of yourself. Lean on friends and family, seek out caregiver support groups in your area, or join an online community.⁴ Most importantly, ask for help when you need it.
• Support for Children: If you're a mom with children still at home, hearing that you have breast cancer is particularly scary. If they are very young, you may wonder how you're going to take care of them. If they're older, you may worry about how they are going to handle your diagnosis. Regardless, there are plenty of resources to help both you and your children.⁵ The American Cancer Society® offers tips to help children understand the disease and treatment, as well as cope with fears they may have.⁵ Your health care team is also a good source of information. Many cancer treatment centers offer programs and support groups specifically for children.

Source:
¹Find Support Programs and Services in Your Area, http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/index
²Being a Caregiver, http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/Caregivers/Caregiving/index
³What You Need to Know as a Cancer Caregiver, http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/Caregivers/Caregiving/WhatYouNeedtoKnow/index
⁴Coping as a Caregiver, http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/Caregivers/CopingasaCaregiver/index
⁵Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer, http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/ChildrenandCancer/HelpingChildrenWhenaFamilyMemberHasCancer/index

Breast Cancer Research

Researching Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatments

Researchers throughout the world are studying the causes of breast cancer and new methods of women's cancer treatment.¹ Ongoing studies focus on lifestyle factors and habits, such as diet and exercise, that affect breast cancer risk.¹ Other research is exploring how genes influence breast cancer.¹ An early yet active area of research focuses on potential causes of breast cancer in the environment.²

Research is underway to study several drugs that may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Other studies focus on new drugs and radiation therapies used to treat the disease.² Among many promising studies, several drugs that strengthen and reduce the risk of fractures in bones weakened by metastatic breast cancer are being tested.²

New laboratory tests include gene expression studies to help predict which patients with early-stage breast cancer will benefit from adjuvant therapy.² Researchers have found that in many women with breast cancer, cells may break away from the tumor and enter the blood. These circulating tumor cells can be detected with sensitive lab tests, although it is not yet clear how helpful they are for patients with breast cancer.²

For More Information:
¹What's new in breast cancer research?, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/OverviewGuide/breast-cancer-overview-new-research
²What's new in breast cancer research and treatment, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-new-research

Breast Cancer Research

Developing Better Screening Methods

We already know that early breast cancer detection saves lives. Researchers are studying several new imaging methods, including Scintimammography (molecular breast imaging) and Tomosynthesis (3D mammography).¹

Source:
¹What's new in breast cancer research and treatment?, http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-new-research

Breast Cancer Research

Funding Breast Cancer Research

In partnership with the American Cancer Society®, Athena® is helping fund vital research that may one day lead to a cure. Since 1971, the Society has awarded more than $450 million in breast cancer research grants.¹ American Cancer Society®-funded research has led to the development of lifesaving drugs, as well as to the discovery of genes linked to breast cancer.¹ Currently the Society is funding more than 200 research study grants in areas including genetics, etiology, diagnostics and drug development, as well as studies in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life.¹

Source:
¹Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 2011-2012 (Download), http://www.cancer.org/Research/CancerFactsFigures/BreastCancerFactsFigures/index