Health Risk: Breast Cancer

Who's affected?

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women and one of the top causes of death for women in the United States. This year alone, there will be 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer and approximately 40,170 deaths. Those facts may sound pretty scary, but there's a lot you can do to protect yourself and take charge early. Let's start with some basics.

How do you get it?

Breast cancer results from the abnormal growth of cells in breast tissue. The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown. Make sure you understand the following factors that may increase your risk of developing breast cancer:

• Age: Your risk of breast cancer increases with age
• Gender: Most breast cancer occurs in women, but according to the CDC, about 1% of breast cancer occurs in men
• Family history: You're more likely to get breast cancer if your mother or sister has had it
• Hormones: Particularly after menopause, when using hormone replacement therapy, altering your estrogen-progestin and estrogen-testosterone levels
• Menstruation: Early start of menstruation (around age 12) and late menopause (around age 55) can be factors
• When you have children: Having children late or not having children at all can increase your risk
• Not breastfeeding: Studies show women who don't breastfeed have a higher incidence of developing breast cancer
• Lifestyle and behavior choices: Obesity, inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to a higher risk

How can you reduce your risk?

The good news is that you can reduce some risk factors by taking the following precautions:

• Avoid long-term hormone replacement therapy
• Have children before age 30 and breastfeed them
• Excercise and nutrition to avoid weight gain
• Limit alcohol consumption to a drink a day or less

Early detection is one of your best defenses!

Annual screenings, self-checks and knowing some of the symptoms can help you stay ahead of breast cancer or catch it early.

Regular self-checkups

While the incidence of breast cancer is very low for women in their 20's, you should still begin to do periodic breast self-exams (BSE). You' will become familiar with how your breasts look and feel and will be able to report a change to your doctor early. These exams should be done about a week after your period. For more information on how to do a BSE, visit the ACS website

Clinical breast exams

For women in their 20s and 30s, these should be done by their healthcare professional at least every three years, and annually if 40 or older. This is also a good time to review your BSE technique with your doctor.

Mammograms

Women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year. Mammograms are simple X-rays of the breast that reveal any abnormalities. The goal of screening is to find cancers before there are symptoms. It's estimated that regular screening mammograms can reduce breast cancer deaths by 30 percent.

Find out more about screening and diagnostic tests for breast cancer.

Symptoms you should check for during screenings

Early detection improves your chances of successful treatment. Here are a few breast cancer warning signs:

• Your breast feels different: Most women describe a painless lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
• Your breast looks different: The breast may dimple or look like an orange peel
• You notice a change in the nipple: Changes, including fluid from the nipple, which may be clear or bloody
• Redness or scaling: If there's redness or scaling of the skin or nipple

If you think you have any of these symptoms, your doctor should evaluate you as soon as possible. Make sure to check regularly for any changes and take the time to arrange for the breast cancer screenings you need. It's worth the time to put yourself - and your health - first. Put on those boxing gloves, step into the ring and put 'em up!

Edited by Donna Fultz, Linda Martinez, and Karen Wooldridge.