Kern Legacy Health Plan | A Legacy of Good Health | Fall 2020

Of all the diseases we face as women, few may concern us more than breast cancer. Almost certainly, you know someone—a loved one, a friend, a neighbor—whose life has been touched by the disease. Even though breast cancer is far too com- mon, some facts about it may still surprise you. Here’s a look at five of them: 1 Breast cancer is not the leading health threat to women. Heart disease is actually far deadlier for women. Nationwide, breast cancer causes 1 in 31 female deaths every year. But coronary heart disease causes 1 in 5 female deaths. And looking only at cancer deaths, lung cancer kills more women in the U.S. than breast cancer. 2 Most breast cancer is not inherited. Only about 5% to 10% of all breast cancers appear to develop directly from gene defects such as those in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene A LEGACY OF GOOD HEALTH is published as a community service for the friends andmembers of KERN LEGACYHEALTH PLANS, 1115 Truxtun Ave., First Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93301, telephone 661-868-3280 or 855-308-5547. Information in A LEGACY OF GOOD HEALTH comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2020 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 KERN LEGACY HEALTH PLANS 1115 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor Bakersfield, CA 93301 5 B R E A S T C ANC E R YOU MAY NOT KNOW FACTS passed on from a parent. What’s more, even a family history of breast cancer is not as concerning as many women might fear. While having a close rela- tive with breast cancer does raise your risk, only about 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family history of the disease. 3 A preventive mastectomy doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of breast cancer. Some women who are at high risk for getting breast cancer opt to have both breasts removed to avoid the disease. A pre- ventive mastectomy can, in fact, reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by 90% or more. But some risk still remains, since even a mastectomy can’t remove all breast tissue. 4 Dense breasts are a risk. Women with dense breasts—breasts with more fibrous and glandular tissue and less fatty tissue— have up to twice the risk of breast cancer as a woman with average breast density. Dense breasts may also make mammograms less accurate. Ask your doctor if your breasts are con- sidered dense—you can’t tell by touching them. If the answer is yes, the two of you can discuss whether you need additional imag- ing tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI. 5 The effects of a fatty diet aren’t clear. Many studies indicate that breast cancer is less common in countries where the typical diet is low in fat. But so far studies haven’t found a definitive link between higher fat diets, like those eaten in the U.S., and breast cancer. Sources: American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute One good reason to get a mammogram? It could save your life. So don’t put off this important preventive screening— schedule an appointment with your provider today! Did you know that Kern Legacy Health Plans covers your mammogram at 100% at a contracted facility? For plan details, please visit www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com .