Breast cancer can take a heavy toll on your finances, as well as your physical and emotional well-being.

In fact, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, after skin cancer, and the cost of treating it can be astronomical.

According to the American Cancer Society, the estimated direct medical cost of breast cancer in the U.S. in 2021 is $20.4 billion. This includes the cost of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other treatments.

But the indirect costs of breast cancer, such as lost productivity and income, can be even higher.

Assessing Your Risk

While breast cancer cannot be completely prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. One of the first steps is to assess your risk. There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing breast cancer, including:.

Genetics

Women with a family history of breast cancer, especially those with a mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast cancer, are at higher risk. Inherited changes in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can also increase the risk of breast cancer.

Age

The risk of breast cancer increases as women get older. Most breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50.

Gender

Breast cancer is much more common in women than in men.

Hormones

Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that can stimulate the growth of some breast cancers.

Women who have had early onset of menstruation (before age 12), late onset of menopause (after age 55), or have never had children, have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Personal Health History

Women who have had breast cancer in one breast are at higher risk of developing cancer in the other breast. Women who have had certain non-cancerous breast conditions, such as atypical hyperplasia, are also at higher risk.

Lifestyle Factors

Obesity, lack of physical activity, and drinking alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Taking Action to Reduce Risk

Once you have assessed your risk, there are steps you can take to reduce it. These include:.

Screening

Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. Women should talk to their doctor about the appropriate screening schedule for their age and risk level.

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and limiting alcohol intake, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Medications

Certain medications, such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, can reduce the risk of breast cancer in women at high risk. Women should talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits of these medications.

Surgery

For women at very high risk, surgical options such as prophylactic mastectomy (removal of both breasts) or oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) may be considered.

These options are not appropriate for all women and should be discussed with a doctor or genetic counselor.

Conclusion

While breast cancer is a serious and costly disease, women can take steps to reduce their risk and detect it early.

By assessing your risk, talking to your doctor about appropriate screening, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and considering medications or surgery when appropriate, you can help protect your health and financial well-being.