Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. In addition to 200,000 new cases, breast cancer will result in an estimated 40,000 deaths this year. The best protection is early detection and the reduction of known risk factors. While all women can develop breast cancer, the risk increases with certain factors:
• Age 50 or older
• Personal or family history of breast cancer
• Menstruation before age 12
• Menopause after age 50
• Exposure to repeated, highdose radiation treatments in the chest area
• Never having children
• Consuming two or more alcoholic beverages daily
• Obesity or physical inactivity tHe symptoms
• Breast lump or thickening
• Swelling, redness, or tenderness
• Changes in nipple color and texture
• Dimpling/puckering of skin
• Inverted nipple or nipple pain
• Nipple discharge
• Lump in underarm area
EARLY DETECTION
The combination of monthly breast self-exams after age 18, yearly clinical breast exams, and regular mammograms beginning at age 40 are the best ways to detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.
Breast self-exam (BSE):
7 days after the start of your menstrual period or, if no longer menstruating, once a month on the same day.
• Lie down with a pillow under the right shoulder with the right hand behind head
• Using flat fingers (no finger tips) move the left hand over the entire right breast
• Start at the outermost edge and spiral in towards the nipple
• Check for lumps or thickening
• Check the under arm area
• Repeat on left breast
• Stand in front of a mirror and check for dimpling/puckering of the skin, swelling or redness, or changes in the nipple
CLINICAL BREAST EXAM (CBE):
Once a year a health care provider should physically examine your breasts for any changes, lumps, or other warning signs of breast cancer.
MAMMOGRAM:
Beginning at age 40 (earlier for those at higher risk) all women should have a mammogram once a year. Mammograms are X-ray images of breast tissue that help detect abnormalities too small to be felt during a BSE or CBE. Mammograms can detect lumps in the breast up to two years before they can be felt. Since mammography can detect cancers earlier than BSEs or CBEs, it is important to have mammograms annually.