Early detection is the best defense to managing breast health.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a good reminder to schedule your mammogram, perform a self-check in the shower or ask your doctor about your risk factors.

Its important for every woman to know what shes up against regarding breast cancer, says Jessica Bensenhaver, M.D., director of the breast cancer program at Henry Ford Cancer Institute, but the most important things you can do are to be a self-advocate and attend your annual screening.

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women in the United States. Overall, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. However, risk increases with age. According to Dr. Bensenhaver, at age 30, 1 in 217 women are likely to get breast cancer. At age 40, the figure is 1 in 67.

Since breast cancer is treatable at any age when discovered early, routine screenings should be an important part of every womans health plan.

Although most women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease, those with an immediate family member on either parents side should notify their doctor.

Age and family history are among the risk factors women cant control. Others include:

BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations that mean an eight out of 10 chance of getting breast cancer at some point in your life

Race/ethnicity. According to Dr. Bensenhaver, Caucasian women are traditionally more likely to get breast cancer than African Americans. However, if youre younger than 45, African American women are at a higher risk

Breast density. In addition to increasing your risk of breast cancer, having dense breast tissue can make diagnosis of a lump or tumor through standard mammography more challenging. In Michigan, women must legally be notified if their breasts are dense. Sometimes it is recommended that women with dense breasts undergo additional screening methods, like ultrasound or screening tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammograms

In addition to scheduling regular screenings, women should be familiar with their breasts and see a doctor immediately if they feel a lump, experience persistent pain or observe changes in skin color or texture.

Since worrying about breast cancer can weigh heavily on the mind, the Henry Ford Cancer Institute encourages women to be proactive about their breast health. Dr. Bensenhaver said to lower your overall risk of breast cancer:

Numerous studies have shown that obesity can increase your risk for many types of cancer, including breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, postmenopausal women who are obese have a 20 to 40% increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Consuming one alcoholic drink per day increases your chances of getting breast cancer by at least 5 percent, according to the American Cancer Institute for Cancer Research. Two to three drinks per day raises your risk by 20%.

Although no one knows why, studies show that women who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast cancer. Even just a couple of months of breastfeeding can lower your risk.

In 2002, researchers discovered a connection between Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and increased breast cancer risk. Although HRT can ease postmenopausal symptoms, talk to your doctor about the possible risks and avoid it if possible.

To take the private, at-home assessment, simply visit HenryFord.com/BreastCancerRisk to answer questions about your current health status and fitness levels as well as your family history. The assessment will generate a personalized report that you can download and share with your doctor.

Talking to your doctor is a critical part of the process. Your physician can answer your questions and help you navigate through massive amounts of information available about breast cancer health online. As you try to determine how to reduce your controllable risks, your doctor can cut through all the what ifs to provide compassionate care and straightforward information.

Despite their best efforts, the fact is that some women will face a breast cancer diagnosis. The Henry Ford Cancer Institute has one of the nations leading breast cancer programs, featuring specially trained breast radiologists who read all mammograms and imaging results.

Henry Ford also has the most advanced technologies available to detect and diagnose breast cancer and offers mammography locations throughout southeast and south central Michigan, with day, evening and weekend hours available. Visit HenryFord.com/Mammography for locations and to schedule your mammogram.

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Don't wait: Schedule your breast cancer screening at Henry Ford Cancer Institute - Dearborn Press and Guide

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