Guidelines
for Early Detection
Early detection is the key
to surviving breast cancer. It is highly curable if it is found and
treated early.
Breast
Self Examination (BSE)
Examine your
breast once a month starting at age 20. At least one week after your
period, when breasts are less lumpy and tender. If you don't have
a period, plan to examine your breasts every month on the same day.
For women on replacement hormones, do BSE when starting a new cycle of
pills.
Squeeze the nipple gently between your thumb and index finger. Note any discharge.
Beginning at the outer edge of your breast, move your fingers slowly around the whole breast in a circle. Move around the breast in smaller and smaller circles, gradually working toward the nipple. Don't forget to check the underarm and upper chest areas, too.
Starting at the outer edge of the breast, move your fingers toward the nipple and back to the edge. Check your whole breast, covering one small wedge-shaped section at a time. Be sure to check the underarm area and the upper chest.
Start in the underarm area and move your fingers downward little by little until they are below the breast. Then move your fingers slightly toward the middle and slowly move back up. Go up and down until you cover the whole area.
If you are between the ages of 20 and 40, do not have any symptoms, do not use birth control pills or hormones and do not fall into a high-risk group, have your breasts examined every three years by your doctor. … If you are over the age 40, have your breast examined by your doctor every year (preferably when it is time for a Pap smear).
Mammography
The National
Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer II recommends an annual screening
mammography for women beginning at age 40.
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is the over growth of abnormal cells in the breast also known as a malignant tumor.
What every woman should know about breast cancer:
- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women (lung cancer is #1).
- Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women.
- Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among young black American women.
- One out of eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
Risk Factors
There is probably no single cause of breast cancer; however, research has shown that the following factors working together appear to increase the risk of breast cancer:
Gender - All women are at risk of developing breast cancer; although rare, it can also develop in men.
Family History - Risks increase in daughters or sisters of women with breast cancer and can also increase with a positive paternal family history.
Reproductive History - Risks are increased in women who have never had children. Women, who have had their first child after age 30, may be at an even greater risk than women who remain childless.
Menstrual History - Risks increase somewhat in women who begin menstruation early and/or experience menopause late.
Diet - Obesity or a high dietary fat intake, may be a contributor to breast cancer risks. It is important to eat nutritionally balanced meals that are high in fiber and low in fat. The National Cancer Institute recommends eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. It is also equally important to increase physical activity.
Signs and Symptoms
Breast cancer often occurs with no signs or symptoms. Warning signs can include: breast lumps and /or thickening, bleeding from the nipple, skin irritation and skin retraction. If any of the above occurs, see a physician.
Recommended Breast Cancer Screenings
For more information about breast cancer, how to find it early, what questions to ask your doctor, call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER or your local health department. For more information about the National Black Leadership Initiative on Cancer II, call 1-800-724-1185.