 |
|
|
In honor of this special month, MOViN 99.7 has put together this informational page to help spread awareness. Breast cancer has and continues to affect so many of our lives. It can strike anyone at any time, which is why it’s so important to learn about the disease. Knowing about risk factors, early detection and warning signs can increase the chances of finding breast cancer early, and in turn, increase the chances of surviving.
|
|
|
| BREAST CANCER OVERVIEW |
 |
|
|
To emphasize the impact breast cancer has on women in the United States, here are two significant facts:
|
|
|
-
Among women with cancer, breast cancer is the second most common type.
-
Among women who die from cancer, breast cancer is the second leading cause.
|
|
|
According to the American Cancer Society, about 182,460 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and about 40,480 women will die from it this year alone. It is estimated that there are about two and a half million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
The odds of a woman having breast cancer is about 1 in 8. The odds of dying from it is about 1 in 35. Who is at risk? All women are at risk for breast cancer. Although it isn’t clear what exactly causes breast cancer to develop, there are several risk factors associated with the disease.
|
|
|
| RISK FACTORS & PREVENTION |
|
|
|
A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a particular disease. Some you have control over, and some you don’t. It is important to know these risk factors, but keep in mind that having one or more of them does not necessarily mean that you have, or will have, breast cancer. In fact, most women with breast cancer have no known risk factors other than being a woman.
RISK FACTORS: (Those you can’t change)
|
|
|
-
Being female
-
Getting older
-
Inherited mutations in certain genes
-
Family history of breast cancer
-
Personal history of breast cancer
-
Race
-
Dense breast tissue
-
Starting menstrual periods at an early age, especially before age 12
-
Starting menopause at a later age, especially after age 55
-
Radiation exposure to the breast or chest as a child or young adult
-
Treatment with DES
-
Precancerous breast changes, including carcinoma in situ
|
|
|
OTHER RISK FACTORS:
|
 |
-
Not having children or having them at an older age (30 or older)
-
Not breastfeeding
-
Early or recent use of birth control pills
-
Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy (PHT)
-
Excessive use of alcohol
-
Being overweight
-
Lack of exercise
|
|
| Even though no one has control over whether or not they get breast cancer, there are things you can do to lower your risk of getting it. Here are some of those things: |
- Maintain a healthy weight and eat healthy foods
- Stay active and exercise
- Know your family history of breast cancer
- Limit alcohol intake
- Get regular screening tests
- Know what risk factors pertain to you and
discuss them with your health care provider
|
|
|
|
| EARLY DETECTION & SCREENING |
|
|
|
Screening means to look for evidence of a disease before signs or symptoms appear. Screening tests are important because they can find breast cancer in its early, most treatable stages. Finding breast cancer early can increase the chances of successfully treating it and surviving it.
HERE ARE THE THREE MAIN SCREENING TESTS:
|
|
Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
Clinical Breast Exam (CBE)
Mammogram
|
|
|
In general, the following is recommended:
|
 |
-
Start doing monthly breast self-examinations at age 20
-
Have a clinical breast exam
once every 3 years from ages 20-40
-
Begin having a yearly clinical breast
exam after age 40
-
Begin having a yearly mammogram
at age 40
|
|
|
However, since risk factors vary with each individual, it is a good idea to talk with your health care provider to find out which tests are right for you. This is especially important for women at high risk for breast cancer.
|
|
|
| SIGNS & SYMPTOMS |
|
|
The signs of breast cancer are different for everyone. The most common sign is a lump or mass in the breast or underarm. Hard, painless lumps with uneven edges are more likely to be cancerous.
Other potential signs of breast cancer are:
|
 |
-
Thickening or swelling of all or part of the breast
-
Irritation, dimpling, or puckering of the breast skin
-
Breast pain
-
Pulling in of the nipple or nipple pain
|
-
Redness or roughness of the nipple area or
the breast skin
-
Sudden nipple discharge, including blood
-
Change in the size or shape of the breast
|
|
|
If you have any of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer, but it is a good idea to consult your health care provider.
|
|
|
| INFORMATION & LINKS |
|
|
|
|
