By Gina Zammit, on behalf of Nuvance Health
We’re all familiar with the pink ribbons and marches promoting breast cancer awareness. But you might not be aware that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer found in women in this country. Even more surprising: women face a higher risk just by living in our beloved state of Connecticut.
John P. Moreno, Videographer / Photographer, Nuvance Health
“On average, there are about 130 cases per 100,000 women in the U.S.,” said Dr. Jeanne Capasse, a board-certified breast surgical oncologist at Nuvance Health, part of Northwell Health. “In Connecticut, we have higher rates of breast cancer than in the rest of the country with about 143 cases per 100,000 women.”
Fortunately, breast cancer is not the most common cause of cancer deaths. And while Connecticut has a high incidence rate of breast cancer, the state’s mortality rate is relatively low compared to other states. This could be due to access to screenings and early detection and excellent care options throughout the state.
Lowering your risk and early detection are key to protecting your long-term health.
I spoke with Dr. Capasse about managing your risk and what happens if you are diagnosed with breast cancer. Here’s what she said:
Why Do Westporters and Nutmeggers at large face higher breast cancer rates?
There’s speculation that the higher rates in Connecticut are due to environmental or socioeconomic factors, but Dr. Capasse explained that “We really don’t know why.”
The higher number of cases can’t be ignored, but the good news is that over the past decade, the mortality from breast cancer has gone down. According to the American Cancer Society, “the death rate for breast cancer among women in the United States has dropped 44% from its peak in 1989 to 2022. That translates to nearly 518,000 fewer breast cancer deaths during this time compared to the number that would have occurred if the peak rate had continued.”
“We believe the reduction in deaths is because of early detection and better treatments. So that’s one of the reasons we emphasize the importance of breast cancer screenings,” Dr. Capasse said.
What Is the best method for managing breast cancer risk?
In two words: cancer screenings.
“Breast cancer screenings are incredibly important for managing your risk of developing advanced breast cancer. Screenings can help to identify it earlier, before it spreads,” Dr. Capasse said. “Lately, there have been changes to screening mammogram guidelines. I want everyone to know we recommend women start annual screenings at age 40. If somebody has a family history, especially if a close family member was diagnosed in their 40s or younger, then they should start earlier.”
Ready for a screening mammogram? Book now at a nearby Nuvance Health location.
If you have extensive family history, Dr. Capasse recommends genetic testing, which is offered at the Whittingham Cancer Center and Smilow Breast Center at iPark, part of Norwalk Hospital.
While family history can provide some insights, it’s not the only factor that matters when it comes to evaluating breast cancer risk.
“One of the things I hear often is that people think if they don’t have a family history of breast cancer, they’re not at risk,” Dr. Capasse said. “That’s not true. Most people who get breast cancer don’t have any significant family history.”
Most people who get breast cancer also don’t have a genetic predisposition or inherited gene mutation like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
“Most breast cancer is not genetic; the genetic syndromes that can cause breast cancer account for less than 10% of all cases,” Dr. Capasse said.
Healthy habits for breast health
Many breast cancer risk factors are beyond control. Being born female, aging and having dense breast tissue are all risk factors you cannot control. Other factors you may be able to control that increase risk include: having a first-time pregnancy over the age of 30, not breastfeeding and lifestyle habits like unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, poor sleep and moderate-to-heavy alcohol consumption.
A Nuvance Health breast surgeon explains cancer risk factors.
Many tried-and-true healthy lifestyle methods can help reduce those risk factors like:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet with lots of vegetables, low in red meat and processed sugar
- Regular exercise
- Getting quality sleep
- Limiting alcohol consumption
“Women who drink alcohol daily have a higher risk of getting breast cancer,” said Dr. Capasse. “One drink a day increases the risk for breast cancer, so we recommend less. The American Cancer Society recommends not drinking. But if you choose to drink, aim to have no more than three-to-five alcoholic beverages a week.”
Learn more about nutrition and breast cancer risk from Nuvance Health.
Are self breast examinations recommended?
“We generally recommend for women to be aware of their breasts to know what’s normal and notice if changes occur,” Dr. Capasse said.
If you notice a lump, discharge or blood exuding from a nipple, general redness or an ulcerated nipple, contact your primary care provider or gynecologist. Changes to your skin, such as dimpling or pulling in a certain spot are also reasons to get checked.
Find out how to calculate your breast cancer risk from a Nuvance Health breast surgeon.
What if I’m diagnosed with breast cancer?
It’s understandable that most people fear breast cancer. The advancement of treatment and earlier detection are power fighters in the battle.
“When we can catch breast cancer early, people do very well,” Dr. Capasse said.
“There’s been a lot of progress in terms of figuring out who needs the more aggressive treatments and who doesn’t,” said Dr. Capasse. “Most people do not need chemotherapy now, so that’s a real advance.”
Dr. Capasse is now seeing patients at Nuvance Health Medical Practice Breast Surgery Westport, located at 333 Post Road West. Book an appointment.
Check out these health-related articles from Nuvance Health
- Cortisol and stress: tips for wound-up Westporters
- Tried and true tips for Westporters’ aching backs
- Alcohol and cancer: what Westport needs to know
- Nine diet hacks Westporters use to get back on track
Nuvance Health, now part of Northwell Health, has sponsored this content for Westport Journal. Nuvance Health is a system of nonprofit hospitals, medical practices and outpatient healthcare services throughout the Hudson Valley and western Connecticut, including nearby Norwalk Hospital. Visit nuvancehealth.org for more information.
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