October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Although more women have mammograms today than ever before, breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women between the ages of 45 and 55. It is the most common cancer in women. Finding the cancer early leads to early treatment and a better outcome.

Most breast cancers are found with mammograms, but some are discovered when women examine their breasts on a monthly basis. The American Cancer Society recommends woman start breast self-exam at the age of 20. Instructions are found at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-self-exam/WO00026/UPDATEAPP=0.

There are some signs women can look for as they examine their breasts:

• Changes in how the breast or nipple feels.
• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or under the arm.
• Tenderness of the nipple.
• Changes in how the breast or nipple looks.
• Changes in the size and shape of the breast.
• Changes in the skin of the breast, such as scaly skin, redness, swelling, ridges, or pitting.
• Any fluid coming from the nipple.

Women who find any of these changes should see their physician.

The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms beginning at the age of 40. Women who have a mother, sister or daughter with breast or ovarian cancer (or both) or a male relative with breast cancer, especially before age 50, run a higher risk. About 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are related to two defective genes. Women with these risks should discuss with their physician whether they need to begin yearly mammograms at a younger age.

Some other risk factors for breast cancer include:

• Age older than 50.
• Radiation exposure.
• Excess weight, especially if the weight was gained in the teen years or after menopause, or if there is more body fat in the upper body.
• Early start of menstruation.
• Menopause after age 55.
• First pregnancy after 30.
• White women are more likely to have breast cancer, but black women are more likely to die of it.
• Use of hormones for symptoms of menopause.
• Use of birth control pills.
• Smoking
• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
• Pre-cancerous changes in the breast.
• Dense breast tissue may hide tumors and may also be a cause of increased risk.

Excellent information is found at http://cms.komen.org/komen/index.htm