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About Breast Cancer (Breast Cancer Risk Factors, Early Detection Plan, Signs & Symptoms, Breast Self-Exam)

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease—differing by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumors themselves. Obviously no woman wants to receive this diagnosis, but hearing the words “breast cancer” doesn’t always mean an end. It can be the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts, and finding hope.

Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except for skin cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.

Each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Approximately 1,700 men will also be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year. The evaluation of men with breast masses is similar to that in women, including mammography.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

While no one knows the exact causes of breast cancer, research has shown that women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop the disease.

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors for breast cancer include:

• Age: Half of all women diagnosed are over age 65.
• Weight: Being obese or overweight.
• Diet & Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity, a diet high in saturated fat, and alcoholic intake of more than two drinks per day.
• Menstrual & Reproductive History: Early menstruation or late menopause, having your first child at an older age or not having given birth, or taking birth control pills for more than ten years if you are under 35. 
• Family & Personal History: A family history of breast cancer—particularly a mother, sister. or a personal history of breast cancer of benign (non-cancer) breast disease.
• Medical & Other Factors: Dense breast tissue (often identified by a mammogram), past radiation therapy to the breast or chest area. A history of hormone treatments—such as estrogen and progesterone, or gene changes— including BRCA1, BRCA2, and others.

  Early Detection Plan

  You can take control of your healthcare by developing an early detection plan and encouraging others to do the same. Remember—early detection saves lives!

  EARLY DETECTION PLAN

  An Early Breast Cancer Detection Plan should include:

  • Beginning at age 20: Performing breast self-exams and looking for any signs of change.
  • Age 20 to 39: Scheduling clinical breast exams every three years.
  • By the age of 40: Having a baseline mammogram and annual clinical breast exams.
  • Ages 40 to 49: Having a mammogram every one to two years depending on previous findings.
  • Ages 50 and older: Having a mammogram every year. 
  • All Ages:
  — Recording personal exams, mammograms and doctors'
  appointments on a calendar or in a detailed file.
  — Maintaining a healthy weight, following a low-fat diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.

  Breast Cancer Symptoms

  Generally, early breast cancer does not cause pain. Even so, a woman should see her health care provider about breast pain or any other breast cancer symptoms that do not go away.

   BREAST CANCER SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

  Common signs & symptoms of breast cancer include:

  • A change in how the breast or nipple feels
    You may experience nipple tenderness or notice a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area.
  • A change in how the breast or nipple looks
    This could mean a change in the size or shape of the breast or a nipple that is turned slightly inward. In addition, the skin of the breast, areola or nipple may appear scaly, red or swollen or may have ridges or pitting that resembles the skin of an orange.
  • Nipple discharge

  Breast Self-Exam (BSE)

  Taking a few minutes to do a breast self-exam a minimum of once a month can make a lifetime of difference. Nearly 70% of all breast cancers are found through self-exams and with early detection the 5-year survival rate is 98%. If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but don't panic—8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous. For additional peace of mind, call your doctor whenever you have concerns.

  HOW TO DO A BREAST SELF-EXAM

  
  

  In the Shower

  Fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine the left breast, left hand for the right breast. Check for any lump, hard knot, or thickening. Carefully observe any changes in your breasts.

  
  

  Before a Mirror

  Inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.

  Look for any changes in the contour of each breast, a swelling, a dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Then rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women's breasts do.

  
  

  Lying Down

  Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. With the fingers of your left hand flat, press your right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast.

  Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.

  
  

  Courtesy of National Breast Cancer Foundation

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Survivor)

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Celebrating 25 Years of Awareness, Education, and Empowerment

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) organization is a partnership of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to screening services.

In 2009, NBCAM celebrates its 25th anniversary. Since its inception a quarter century ago, NBCAM has been at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues and has evolved along with the national dialogue on breast cancer. Today, NBCAM recognizes that although many great strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatment, there remains much to be accomplished. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we remain dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health by practicing regular self-breast exams to identify any changes, scheduling regular visits and annual mammograms with their healthcare provider, adhering to prescribed treatment, and knowing the facts about recurrence.

While October is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the www.NBCAM.org Web site is a year-round resource for breast cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and the general public. We encourage you to visit our site in October and regularly throughout the year as we add updated breast cancer information and resources.


Copyright © 2011, AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation

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