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4 | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette | Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk | April 2019 paid advertisement Why Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Is So Important special to nWa democrat-Gazette Breast cancer is very common. 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in her lifetime. And while all women are at risk for breast cancer, some women are at a higher risk than others. That's one of the reasons why breast cancer risk assessment is important. Since not all women are at the same risk for developing breast cancer, it's important that every woman assess her personal risk and work with her doctor to develop a plan to stay safe from breast cancer. There are things that you can do to help reduce your risk of breast cancer, but just reducing your risk is not enough. Understanding your own personal risk provides crucial information such as what type of screening you need, and how often you need that type of breast cancer screening. Early detection is one of the best things that you can do to increase your chances of preventing or surviving breast cancer. Detecting cancer in its early stages means that it can be treated sooner, thus improving your odds of overcoming cancer. The Breast Center recommends that women of average risk begin annual screening mammograms starting at age 40. Of course, if you're at a higher risk for breast cancer, your doctor may suggest that you start mammograms earlier, or consider biannual doctor examinations and other tests in addition to yearly mammography. What does risk assessment cover? Risk assessment explores many different aspects of your life. Information that can help a doctor determine your personal risk includes: • Family history with breast cancer, ovarian cancer and some other types of cancer. Did your grandmother have breast cancer? Did your mother and her sister have breast cancer? • Your age. The older you get, the higher your risk for breast cancer. • Your height and weight. There's a strong link between obesity and breast cancer. • History of breast cancer or other breast health problems. • History of other types of cancer. Having certain types of cancer can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. • Dense breast tissue. • How old were you when you started your periods? Women who started periods before the age of 12 are at a higher risk for breast cancer. • How old were you when you gave birth? Giving birth to children after the age of 30 greatly increases your risk for breast cancer. Things that you can do to help reduce your risk for breast cancer. There are a few things that any woman can do to help reduce her risk for breast cancer. • Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables. • Get plenty of exercise, at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. • Limit alcoholic beverages • Do not smoke. Smoking is bad for your health in a number of ways, and it increases your risk for breast cancer • Get regular breast cancer screenings • Assess your risk of breast cancer. Who should have a risk assessment for breast cancer? Some physicians now suggest that ALL women have a risk assessment by age 30 to determine their risk reducing strategy. At The Breast Center, patients can schedule a risk assessment to find out if they should consider genetic testing and additional screening. New Recommendation for Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer At The Breast Center, the physicians are now taking the recommendation of the American Society of Breast Surgeons and recommending genetic testing for all newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. "The genetic testing guidelines have expanded and we have found mutations in individuals whom we might not have tested before," explains Kelly Pierce, MD a breast imaging physician at The Breast Center. Learn more Learn more about 3D Mammograms, risk assessment, and customized screening plans at The Breast Center at www.mana.md. To schedule a mammogram or risk assessment, call The Breast Center at (479) 442-6266 or toll free (866) 718-6266. About The Breast Center, A MANA Clinic The Breast Center, a MANA Clinic is designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology and as part of the Arkansas Breast Cancer Specialists, is a Nationally Accredited Breast Center by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers. The Breast Center has seven dedicated breast imaging specialists who provide the most comprehensive care available. Drs. Danna Grear and Kevin Pope opened The Breast Center in 2003 as the first independent facility in Arkansas dedicated solely to breast imaging. Drs. Kelly Pierce, Britton Lott, Katherine Rankin, and Whitney Manlove Sipe are fellowship-trained in breast imaging and Dr. Steven Harms is a world-renowned Breast MRI expert. In 2018, The Breast Center expanded services in Bentonville and opened a third location in Harrison. The physicians want to make breast care convenient and easily accessible for women in Northwest Arkansas.