Breast Cancer is something that has affected so many people and impacted our lives in some way or another. As with many cancers, there are several risk factors besides family history that impact this disease. On the topic of Health & Fitness Day, Dr. Ann Chuang details the correlation of breast cancer and living a healthy lifestyle.
1 out of 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Most of these women do not have a family history of breast cancer. 1 out of 10 breast cancer can be attributed to genetic mutations such as BRCA 1 and 2. Women who get regular exercise (physical activity) have a lower risk of breast cancer than women who are not active. When the evidence is looked at as a whole, regular exercise appears to lower breast cancer risk by 10-20 percent.
Most women with early breast cancer will beat it and never develop another breast cancer. It is important that breast cancer survivors practice healthy diet and lifestyles. These lifestyle modifications include maintaining a BMI between 18.5 and 25, limiting alcohol intake and maintaining or increasing exercise to the moderate or vigorous category. In addition, it is important to take care of other aspect of your health, including being up to date on health care screenings and visits.
Authored by Dr. Ann Chuang
National Hernia Awareness Month is observed each June. Hernias can be described as abnormal bulges created by a weakness or a hole, usually in the abdominal wall or groin. It occurs when an internal organ, such as the bowel or bladder, extends through the wall of the muscle or tissue where it normally resides.
A bulge in the abdomen or groin caused by a hernia is a common condition in both men and women and can range from pain-free to painful. Nearly 1 million hernia operations are performed each year in the United States.
Hernias can be congenital, which means they were present at the time of birth. They can also develop due to tissue weakness in the abdominal wall or groin, usually from overexertion and straining. Long-term constipation issues or urinating, persistent cough, heavy lifting and physical exertion can all contribute to the development of hernias. Other factors that can increase your risk for hernias include poor nutrition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, pregnancy, previous surgeries (specifically open surgeries) and smoking.
When hernias become painful or symptomatic it may prevent patients from participating in work, exercise or other activities that they love to do. When a hernia becomes symptomatic it is important to see your primary care physician to discuss repair before the hernia becomes very large or turns into a very serious complication. When organs are stuck in a hernia, they can lose their blood supply, which may result in an emergency that requires immediate attention.
Many times, your physician will be able to diagnosis a hernia by physical exam. However, sometimes a hernia may be difficult to see or feel due to its location or a person’s body size and shape. In those instances, radiologic tests like a CT (computerized tomography) scan or ultrasound may be ordered to help with the diagnosis.
There are different options for surgical repair, including both open surgery and minimally invasive laparoscopic (using small incisions with a laparoscope) approaches. Many times, we utilize mesh to help repair the hernia to lower the recurrence risk. Hernia repair is usually performed under general anesthesia or on an outpatient basis, so patients may be able to go home on the same day of surgery.
For more information about hernias and treatment options, please call us directly at 609-204-5357 or visit our website.
Authored by Dr. Desiree D’Angelo.