October is widely known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With about 240,000 cases annually, breast cancer remains the second-leading cause of death among women in the U.S. Further, 2,100 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. annually.
Even with these sobering statistics, the American Cancer Society found an overall decline of 43% in breast cancer-related deaths since 1989, likely because of frequent screening, increased awareness, and more advanced treatments.
Therefore, one of the most critical components of workplace wellness is preventative health, which includes encouraging healthy habits and early detection practices. By taking preventative measures, your employees will be healthier, happier, and able to do their jobs at their best.
- Encourage physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.
- According to Susan G. Komen, several studies link BMI and breast cancer risk since fat cells make estrogen, and more estrogen cells can lead to the development of more breast cancer hormone receptors. Being overweight can increase the risk of breast cancer and the risk of it coming back.
- Make employees aware of common risk factors.
- Inherited risk due to genetic predisposition.
- Age
- Personal history of breast cancer.
- Previous history of ovarian cancer.
- Race and ethnicity.
- Hormone replacement therapy.
- Click here to read the full list of risk factors and more details.
- Normalize open discussion on menopause, contraceptives, and menstrual cycles.
- Studies suggest that irregular menstrual cycles can cause a higher risk of breast cancer. There are also ongoing studies that suggest that oral contraceptives might contribute to the development of breast cancer.
- Studies suggest that irregular menstrual cycles can cause a higher risk of breast cancer. There are also ongoing studies that suggest that oral contraceptives might contribute to the development of breast cancer.
- Limit alcohol.
- Current research suggests that having more than one to two daily servings of alcohol raises the risk of breast cancer.
- Encourage frequent self-exams and annual screenings, including mammograms.
- Employers can begin the encouragement by sharing these resources:
Remember, early prevention saves lives. Help those in your office and at home stay healthy and happy this October and onward.