Breast Cancer Facts Every Woman Should Know
The American Cancer Society as well as the nation’s leading health organizations recommends the following 3-step early detection plan:
STEP 1:
Schedule Regular Mammograms beginning at the age of 40.
STEP 2:
See your doctor for regular breast exams at least every three years from age 20 to 39 and every year beginning at age of 40.
STEP 3:
Proactive monthly breast self-exam. Ask your doctor to show you the proper way to do a thorough breast self-exam.
BREAST CANCER FACTS:
FACT: 3/4 of the women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease and are not considered high risk.
FACT: 1 of 6 breast cancers occur in women aged 40 – 49.
FACT: The 10 year risk for breast cancer in a 40 year old woman is 1 in 69.
FACT: 40% of patient years of live saved by mammography are in women aged 40 – 49.
FACT: Mammography has helped reduce breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by nearly 1/3 since 1990.
What Are the Symptons of Breast Cancer?
♦ Lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle.
♦ A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea.
♦ A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast.
♦ A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple.
♦ A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed).
♦ Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple.
♦ A change in shape or position of the nipple
♦ An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.
♦ A marble-like hardened area under the skin.