Breast Cancer: A Health Reporter's Guide to Self-Exams and Rising Diagnoses

Every October, as nature wraps itself in hues of oranges and reds, we in the health and wellness world don our most sarcastic shades of pink. Yes, it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to not only raise awareness but also provide a hearty dose of education and support to the staggering 2.3 million women worldwide battling this disease. Because, let’s face it, receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can feel like a scene from a drama series no one signed up to watch.

As our esteemed Yahoo Life editors have pointed out, each individual’s response to such a diagnosis is deeply personal—think too personal, like that time you shared your first heartbreak with your overly attentive roommate. The silver lining? Our understanding of breast cancer is evolving faster than the plot of a rom-com. So, grab your highlighters, ladies; it’s a great time to refresh your knowledge.

Let’s kick off with the basics: your breasts. Yes, those lovely orbs that have accompanied you through heartbreaks and celebrations alike. It’s essential to know what your breasts usually look and feel like—after all, it’s your body, so don’t be shy. Keep an eye out for any unusual changes. Symptoms of breast cancer can include lumps, skin tone changes, alterations in size or shape, and even unexpected discharge. Yes, I know it sounds like a bad horror flick, but stay with me—knowledge is power, after all. And remember, while men might feel a bit more immune to the woes of breast cancer (they statistically have a one in 833 chance compared to one in eight for women), they certainly aren’t off the hook.

Dr. Shane Dormady, an oncology specialist—because we all need a little dose of expertise in our lives—suggests men get cozy with self-examinations every few months. Feel for any stubborn lumps, peek under those arms for hard bumps, and do scrutinize any changes to the skin texture. Think of it as a cheeky little spa day, but with a more critical eye.

Then there’s the latest buzz—a report from the American Cancer Society released just in time to add a chill to our autumn. While breast cancer deaths are on the decline, diagnoses have been rising 1% per year from 2012 to 2021. It’s like watching a plot twist you never saw coming. Among younger women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, the rise was even sharper at 1.4% a year. By the time they hit the golden age of 50, an astonishing one in 50 will have to tango with invasive breast cancer. And hold onto your pumpkin spice lattes, because Asian American/Pacific Islander women—who, until recently, enjoyed lower rates—are now seeing increases of 2.7% annually. Apparently, this isn’t a problem confined to one demographic anymore.

Speaking of preventative measures, when your next mammogram rolls around, expect a new spoiler: breast density. This bit of information, now required by the FDA, sheds light on how much of your breast is made up of fibroglandular tissue versus the less ominous fatty tissue. Why does this matter? Well, denser breasts can sometimes be trickier to navigate when searching for the nasty stuff on a mammogram, and they may elevate your risk level for developing breast cancer.

Now, let’s talk money, shall we? Health care in the U.S. is akin to a high-stakes poker game—sometimes you win, but mostly you’re left scrambling for coins in your couch cushions. A recent survey found that about a third of women who missed their breast cancer screenings last year blamed it on cost. Yes, mammograms may be free for women over 40, but the younger crowd—or those wanting extra tests—might find themselves facing a hefty bill. According to the same survey, an alarming 48% said they wouldn't pursue treatment if their out-of-pocket costs exceeded $2,000. The world of health care can be quite the financial cliffhanger.

Let’s wrap this up on a note sweeter than your Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. Breastfeeding isn’t just a gift for newborns; it’s also a boon for mothers. Research reveals that breastfeeding can reduce breast cancer risk by 4.3% for each year a woman dedicates to this noble endeavor. Why, you ask? Well, the CDC believes hormonal changes during breastfeeding might delay the return of those pesky menstrual periods, thus lowering lifetime exposure to hormones tied to cancer risk.

And if you’re still unsure, researchers at Imperial College London are diving deeper, exploring whether breastfeeding helps expel harmful cells from a mother’s body (without harming baby, of course). And just in case you need one more reason to embrace your nursing journey, two substantial studies released recently confirmed that breastfeeding post-breast cancer treatment is not only possible but also safe—for both Mom and baby! Dr. Fedro Alessandro Peccatori of the European Institute of Oncology RI, lightly shattering the myth that breastfeeding is a no-go for cancer survivors, sums it up perfectly—moms can indeed have a normal pregnancy and bonding experience with their babies.