Fairchild recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month Published Oct. 22, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Mary O'Dell 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there are things both men and women should know. "Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among American women, following skin cancer, but doesn't just affect them," said Capt. Cynthia Adams, 92nd Medical Group women's health nurse practitioner. "According to the American Cancer Society, men have a one in 1,000 lifetime risk of getting breast cancer. "The best protection is early detection," she added. Thanks to breast cancer screenings, including breast exams and mammograms, providers can often find cancer early which leads to successful treatment, Adams said. While people should be on the lookout for signs of cancer all year long, designating a particular month reminds people of all they can do to prevent the spread of the disease. "Around one in eight women will face breast cancer at some point in her life. Although this sounds scary, most women do survive it." Adams said. Strategies to help prevent breast cancer include: - Regular mammograms - Maintain a healthy weight - Engage in regular physical activity - Avoid smoking - Minimize alcohol intake "One of the strongest risks of breast cancer is your family history," Adams explained. "If you have a first-degree relative - such as a sister, mother or daughter - diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk is higher. In some cases, there is an abnormal gene linked to a high risk of breast cancer." The base women's clinic sponsored a "lunch and learn" for the clinic staff during the first week of the month to introduce the newly offered, Tricare covered, breast cancer susceptibility gene testing as of Oct. 1. "This informed our providers the benefits of this testing and its value to our patients" she said. Anyone concerned about their risk of breast cancer should see their primary care manager.