Breast Cancer Awareness

 

 

Who is at risk to develop breast cancer?
Every woman is at risk! It is the most common cancer of women and as women get older the risk increases. Three-quarters of all breast cancers occur in women over 50. Although it is rare, Men can also develop breast cancer! (American Cancer Society, 1995)

 

Are some women at special risk for breast cancer?
Risk is somewhat higher in women whose close female relatives—their mothers or sisters—have had the disease. Also women who never have had children or had their first child after age 30 seem to be at some-what higher risk. (American Cancer Society, 1995)

 

What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
The most common sign is a lump or thickening that does not go away or seems to change. Most lumps in the breast are not cancerous—four out of five are from other causes. A doctor should check all lumps. Other signs to be aware of if they persist are swelling, puckering, or dimpling. Skin irritation, pain, or tenderness of the nipple. (American Cancer Society, 1995)

 

Breast self-exam Video: How to do a breast self-exam
All women over age 20 should practice regular monthly breast self- examination, when breasts are least tender, usually seven days after the start of the menstrual period.

 

Women should use their finger pads, putting pressure on their breast as they move up and down in small circular motion across the breast. Feel for lumps, thickness and other changes all over each breast and under the armpit.

 

Also look in the mirror from a variety of angles to search for any changes in size or shape of the breasts. If you find a lump, see a doctor!

 

Most lumps are not cancerous but all lumps should be checked! (American Cancer Society, 2000)

 

Clinical breast exam
This exam can be done by a doctor or nurse and is similar to the breast self-exam.

 

Mammogram
A mammogram is a special breast x-ray that can reveal cancerous tumors up to two years before you or your health care provider can feel them.
(Great Events Publishing, 2000)

 

They are used to find cancer in women without symptoms or to help study changes in the breast; are performed by trained x-ray technologists; and interpreted by radiologists. You or your doctor may be able to feel a lump as small as pea but a mammogram can detect a cancer as small as a pinhead! (American Cancer Society, Inc. 1987,1988)

What every woman must do
If you are between 20–40 years old:
Monthly Every 3 years At age 35	Breast Self Exam Clinical Breast Exam Mammogram
If you are between 40–50 years old:
Monthly Every year Every 1–2 years	Breast Self Exam Clinical Breast Exam Mammogram
If you are over 50 years old:
Monthly Every year Every year	Breast Self Exam Clinical Breast Exam Mammogram
(American Cancer Society, Inc. 1993)