Understanding Breast Cancer: Awareness, Prevention, and Recovery

Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women worldwide. While the diagnosis can be life-changing, early detection, education, and active recovery strategies continue to improve outcomes every year. As healthcare professionals, we recognize that wellness goes far beyond the playing field — it’s about empowering the body and mind to heal, rebuild, and thrive.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast tissue grow uncontrollably, forming a lump or mass that may spread if not treated early. Although it primarily affects women, men can also develop breast cancer. There are many forms, and treatment often depends on factors such as stage, location, and hormone involvement.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Becoming familiar with your body is an important part of overall health — whether you’re an athlete or not. Common warning signs of breast cancer include:

• A lump, thickening, or swelling in the breast or underarm area

• Unexplained changes in breast size, shape, or appearance

• Dimpling or puckering of the skin

• Redness, flaking, or irritation around the nipple or breast

• Nipple discharge or inversion

Not all breast changes are cancer, but early evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential.

Prevention and Early Detection

Awareness is the first step in prevention. While risk factors like genetics or age can’t be changed, lifestyle choices play an important role in overall health and cancer prevention.

• Monthly self-exams to detect any unusual changes

• Clinical exams and mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider

• Regular physical activity, including cardiovascular and strength training

• Balanced nutrition that supports hormone health and immune function

• Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco use

Research has shown that women who engage in consistent moderate-to-vigorous exercise experience a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Physical activity helps regulate hormone levels, reduce body fat, and strengthen immune defense — all of which contribute to better long-term health.

Understanding Different Treatment Methods for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer treatment is highly individualized and depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and personal goals. The main treatment methods include:

1. Surgery- Surgical options often involve removing the tumor (lumpectomy) or the entire breast (mastectomy). In some cases, lymph nodes are also examined or removed to determine if the cancer has spread. Surgery is often the first step in treatment and may be followed by additional therapies for best results.

2. Radiation Therapy- Radiation uses high-energy waves to target and destroy cancer cells. It’s commonly used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

3. Chemotherapy- Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. It can be given before surgery (to shrink tumors) or after (to reduce recurrence risk). Though effective, it often comes with side effects that can affect physical performance and recovery.

4. Hormone (Endocrine) Therapy- For cancers that are hormone-receptor-positive, medications can block or lower the body’s hormone levels, slowing or stopping cancer growth.

5. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy- These newer treatments focus on specific characteristics of cancer cells or boost the body’s immune system to fight the disease more effectively. They tend to cause fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

Each of these methods plays a unique role in breast cancer care. With the guidance of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, treatment plans are tailored to help patients not only fight the disease but also restore their strength, mobility, and overall well-being throughout recovery.

Sports Performance and Recovery After Breast Cancer

For those recovering from breast cancer, movement and exercise play a critical role in both physical rehabilitation and emotional recovery. Treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, scar tissue buildup, and limited range of motion — particularly in the chest, shoulders, and upper body.

From a sports performance perspective, controlled movement and progressive exercise can help:

• Restore flexibility and shoulder mobility

• Improve posture and core stability

• Increase circulation and reduce swelling (lymphedema)

• Boost energy levels and overall endurance

• Rebuild confidence in body awareness and movement

Certified Athletic Trainers can work closely with other healthcare providers to design safe, individualized recovery programs that address post-treatment needs while promoting long-term strength and function. These programs emphasize proper body mechanics, gradual loading, and flexibility — key principles in both athletic and post-cancer recovery.

Empowerment Through Knowledge and Movement

Breast cancer awareness extends beyond prevention — it’s about fostering resilience, hope, and empowerment. Whether through early detection, education, or safe return-to-movement strategies, everyone has a role to play in supporting this journey. This October and beyond, take time to learn, move, and empower others to do the same. Awareness saves lives — but action sustains them.

At EvoRx, we believe in the power of movement to heal both the body and mind. From athletes overcoming injury to survivors rebuilding strength, our mission remains the same: Rebuild. Refine. Evolve.