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Shikha Jain on the importance of breast cancer awareness and prevention

Photo of Shikha Jain from impact4hc.com

Oct 13, 2024, 08:03

Shikha Jain on the importance of breast cancer awareness and prevention

“This morning on Fox32, I talked about Jenna Fischer’s recent breast cancer diagnosis and how her story underscores the importance of breast cancer awareness and prevention.

Early detection saves lives, and that’s why mammograms are such a critical tool.

Mammograms can detect cancer in its early stages, often before any symptoms appear. For women at average risk, annual screenings are recommended starting at age 40. However, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor about whether you should begin screening earlier or have more frequent tests. Understanding your personal and family history can help create a more tailored plan for prevention and screening.

In addition to regular mammograms, here are a few other ways to reduce breast cancer risk:

Healthy eating: Prioritize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Limit alcohol: Reducing alcohol consumption can significantly lower your risk.
Cut down on red meat: Eating less red and processed meats can also be beneficial.

If diagnosed, treatment options like chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, surgery, or radiation will depend on the type and stage of cancer. Personalized care is essential for the best outcomes.

And remember, men can get breast cancer too! So especially if you have a family history, talk to your doctor and determine if you need to meet with a genetic counselor.

As Pam from The Office said: ‘There’s a lot of beauty in ordinary things. Isn’t that kind of the point?’ Let’s cherish the beauty of everyday life by prioritizing our health through early detection and lifestyle choices.”

Shikha Jain

More posts featuring Shikha Jain on oncodaily.com

Shikha Jain is an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Illinois Cancer Center in Chicago. She is the Director of Communication Strategies in Medicine and the Associate Director of Oncology Communication & Digital Innovation. She is a founder and Chair of the Women In Medicine Summit, and founder and President of the Women in Medicine® non-profit.

She is the co-founder of the Rush Center for the Advancement of Women in Health Care. Dr. Jain was named a Rising Star in Medicine by Medscape in 2020 and one of Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Emerging Leaders in 2019, and was also awarded the Rising Star award by the LEAD Oncology Conference in 2019 and nominated in 2020 as a Women Leader in Oncology.