A woman’s breasts undergo changes throughout her lifetime. They can increase or decrease in size, become lumpy and painful, feel firm or less elastic and sag. It is important that a
woman becomes familiar with the natural changes that occur as her breasts mature.
All cells in the body undergo orderly, controlled cycles of growth, repair and death. Cancer develops when some cells become abnormal, experience uncontrolled growth and spread to
other parts of the body.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It is the leading cause of cancer death, second only to lung cancer. All women are at risk for breast cancer and this risk increases
with age. Other risk factors related to breast cancer include:
Family history – having a mother, sister, or daughter diagnosed
with breast cancer (note- under 10% of breast cancers are
due to
heredity)
Personal history - menstruation before age 12, never had children
or first child after age 30, menopause after age 50, history
of
breast, uterine or ovarian cancer, breast biopsy with
pre-cancerous changes
The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease or other known risk factors.
A woman can take an active part in her health care by discussing with her healthcare provider her risk for breast cancer, symptoms to report, lifestyle choices to decrease cancer risk,
and when to begin screening exams. According to the ACS, early detection of breast cancer offers a woman more treatment options and a greater chance for survival.
An early detection program for breast cancer consists of:
Monthly breast self-examination
(BSE) – This practice helps a
woman to become familiar with the normal look and feel of her
breasts. If she finds anything unusual, she should report this to
her doctor for evaluation.
Mammograms – A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the
breasts. It may be able to find a breast cancer that is too small for
a
woman or her doctor to feel.
Clinical breast examination
(CBE) – This is a physical
examination of the breasts by a qualified health care professional.
It should be part of a woman’s routine check-up.
American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of breast cancer:
Age 20-39:
Clinical breast examination by a doctor or nurse every three years
Monthly breast self-examination
Age 40 +:
Annual mammogram
Annual clinical breast examination by a doctor or nurse
(CBE
should be done close to the time of the mammogram)
Monthly breast self-examination
