From family history and recommended screenings to physical activity and everyday health choices, understanding the factors that influence breast health can help women make informed decisions throughout life
Breast health involves more than scheduling a mammogram. It also means understanding your body, knowing your family history, maintaining regular healthcare visits and learning which factors may affect your risk of developing breast cancer.
October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity to start those conversations, but the habits that support women's health should continue throughout the year.
Some breast cancer risk factors are beyond an individual's control. Age, genetics and family history are among them. Other factors may be influenced by lifestyle and overall health.
The goal is not to make women feel responsible for preventing a disease that can occur even when someone does everything "right." Instead, understanding risk can help women make informed choices and know which questions to ask their healthcare providers.
Aetna® encourages members to be active participants in their healthcare by using preventive services, learning about available health resources and discussing individual health concerns with their healthcare providers.
Know Your History and Ask Questions
Family health history can provide important information about breast cancer risk.
Women should tell their healthcare providers about breast or ovarian cancer among close relatives and, when possible, the age at which those relatives were diagnosed. Certain patterns within a family may lead a healthcare provider to recommend a more detailed risk assessment or genetic counseling.
Women should also discuss their own medical history. Previous breast conditions, certain genetic changes and other individual circumstances can affect recommendations for screening and follow-up care.
For women at average risk, mammograms generally begin at age 40 and continue every year through age 74. Women at higher risk may need a different screening strategy, which is why individualized conversations with healthcare providers are important.
Being informed also means paying attention to changes in your breasts. A new lump or thickening, changes in breast shape or appearance, changes involving the nipple or other unusual symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Aetna members can review their individual plan information for details about applicable preventive care benefits, participating providers and other resources that may be available to support their health.
Everyday Choices Can Support Overall Breast Health
Lifestyle cannot eliminate the possibility of breast cancer, but some healthy behaviors are associated with a lower risk and can provide benefits well beyond breast health.
Regular physical activity is one example. Finding ways to move throughout the week can support cardiovascular health, weight management, strength, mobility and overall well-being.
Maintaining a healthy weight can also be important, particularly later in life. Rather than focusing on short-term diets, women can work with their healthcare providers to develop realistic approaches to nutrition, physical activity and long-term weight management.
Alcohol is another factor worth discussing. Alcohol consumption has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and risk can increase with greater consumption. Women who drink should consider discussing alcohol use with their healthcare provider as part of their overall health assessment.
Other everyday choices, including avoiding tobacco, getting regular medical care and managing existing health conditions, can contribute to overall wellness.
Breast health also includes paying attention to emotional well-being. Screening appointments, abnormal results or a family history of cancer can create anxiety. Women should feel comfortable discussing those concerns with their healthcare providers and asking for information they can understand.
Aetna members can use Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a reminder to review their preventive healthcare needs and become familiar with the resources available through their individual health plan.
Most importantly, women do not need to become experts in breast cancer to become better advocates for their own health.
Knowing your family history, attending regular healthcare appointments, understanding when screenings are recommended and making healthy choices are practical ways to stay engaged.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month lasts for October. Breast health, however, is a conversation worth continuing all year.
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual health history, breast cancer risk and screening needs.
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