Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and right now it is not known exactly what causes breast cancer or how to prevent it. For this reason, it is important to be aware of possible signs so that breast cancer may be detected and treated. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more likely it is to be successfully treated.
Who is at risk for developing breast cancer?
Every woman is at risk for breast cancer, and her risk increases with age. Three-quarters of all breast cancers occur in women over 50, and a woman of 70 is almost twice as likely to develop breast cancer as a woman aged 50.
Are there women with special risks?
Yes. Risk is higher in women with a personal history or whose close female relatives-their mothers or sisters-have had the disease, especially if the relative was diagnosed before menopause. However, of all the women who develop breast cancer, 80% have no family history of the disease.
What can be done to protect against breast cancer?
Since it is not known yet what causes breast cancer or how to prevent it, the best protection is to detect it as early as possible and to treat it promptly.
What does the American Cancer Society recommend for early detection of breast cancer?
See your doctor for regular breast exams. This means at least every three years from age 20-39, and every year beginning at age 40.
Practice monthly breast self-exams. Ask your health care provider to teach you the proper way to do a thorough breast self-exam.
Have regular mammograms. Annual mammograms should begin at age 40.
What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
Symptoms or breast changes to be aware of include any lump, thickening, or swelling, dimpling, skin irritation, distortion, retraction of the nipple, scaliness, or pain. A mammogram can pick up changes in the breast that might signal cancer long before any can be felt.
Remember-most lumps are not cancerous, but to be sure, see your health care provider.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast taken with a special machine that uses only a small amount of radiation. A specially trained technologist positions the breast between two plastic plates. For a few seconds, pressure is applied to flatten the breast and get a good, clear picture. Two pictures are usually taken of each breast.
Some women report a little discomfort, but it only lasts a few seconds. The entire mammography exam takes about 15 minutes. A radiologist will read the mammogram to see if there are any suspicious areas.
For more information about breast cancer, call 1-800-ACS-2345. If you would like to talk to a health care provider, call the Women's Clinic at Hartshorn Health Services at (970) 491-1754. The above information was adapted from the American Cancer Society.