Sports journalist Hannah Storm reflects on breast cancer diagnosis, advocates for preventive care and regular screenings

Sports journalist Hannah Storm was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), a non-invasive, stage zero breast cancer in Jan 2024.

The American Cancer Society explains that DCIS occurs when the cells lining the milk ducts in the breast become cancerous, though they haven’t spread to nearby tissue.

Approximately 20% of new breast cancer cases are diagnosed as DCIS. The diagnosis left Storm shocked especially since she had been consistently undergoing annual screenings.

With no family history of breast cancer, no risk factors, and no symptoms or lumps, she was completely caught off guard by the diagnosis. Storm feels that early screening saved her life because she has no lump or symptoms. She underwent a lumpectomy following her diagnosis, and since then, she has promoted routine screenings.

The American Cancer Society has identified a number of risk factors for breast cancer. Lifestyle-related factors include alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of physical activity, not having children, not breastfeeding, using birth control, undergoing menopausal hormone therapy, and having breast implants.

Age, inherited gene changes, and family history also contribute to risk. Additionally, a personal history of breast cancer, race and ethnicity, and being taller may increase the likelihood of developing the disease.

Women with dense breast tissue, benign breast conditions, or early menarche are also at higher risk. Radiation exposure to the chest and exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) further raise the risk of breast cancer.

To lower your risk of breast cancer, it's important to maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active, and avoid or limit alcohol consumption.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help keep your body at a healthy weight, which is associated with a reduced risk. Limiting alcohol intake can also significantly lower your chances of developing breast cancer.

These lifestyle changes, along with other preventive measures, can contribute to overall health and reduce the risk of breast cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, finding breast cancer early and receiving state-of-the-art cancer treatment are crucial in preventing deaths from the disease.

Women between the ages 40-44 may begin annual screenings based on personal choice, while women aged 45 to 54 should get screenings every year.

For women aged 55 and older, it is recommended to switch to biennial screenings, considering individual health factors. Regular screenings play a vital role in detecting breast cancer early, improving the chances of successful treatment and survival.

Improving treatment results and survival rates for breast cancer requires early detection. Survival rates are good if breast cancer is discovered early (Stage 0 or Stage 1).

Aggressive therapies are also less necessary with early identification. These people frequently recover more quickly and have fewer adverse effects.