Breast cancer awareness month highlights importance of risk assessment, breast density
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — As Breast Cancer Awareness Month winds down, doctors are urging women to keep the conversation going year-round, starting with understanding personal risk and breast density, which can affect both the likelihood of developing cancer and the type of screening that may be needed. “The number one risk factor is being a woman,” said Dr. Stacy Smith-Foley, breast imaging specialist at CARTI. “So all women have a level of risk, regardless of whether or not they have family history.” She added, “If you have breasts and you have birthdays, you have risk.” Smith Foley said women at average risk for developing breast cancer should begin screening at age 40. She noted the commonly cited statistic that “one in eight women in the course of their life will be diagnosed with breast cancer.” Smith-Foley also emphasized breast density as a key factor. “So breast density is an…