DID YOU KNOW?--
BREAST CANCER
| SAINT MARY'S COLLEGE HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES |
OCTOBER
2001
|
FACTS
*In 2001, 182,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected
in the United States.
*One woman in eight who lives to age 85 will develop
breast cancer during her lifetime.
*Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages
of 40 and 55.
*Seventy percent of all breast cancers are found through breast self-exams.
Not all lums are detectable by touch. We recommend regular mammograms and
monthly breast self-exams.
*8 out of 10 breast lumps are not cancerous. If you find a lump, don't
panic; call your doctor for an appointment.
*Mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination that can detect breast cancer
up to two years before it is large enough to be felt.
*When breast cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is 96%. This
is good news!
Over 2 million breast cancer survivors are alive in America
today.
*Women's breasts can develop some degree of lumpiness, but only a small
percentage of lumps are malignant.
*While a history of breast cancer in the family may lead to increased risk,
most breast cancers are diagnosed in women with no family history.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, this should be discussed with
your doctor.
EARLY DETECTION
*Clinical breast examinations every three years from
ages 20-39, then every year thereafter.
*Monthly breast self-examinations beginning at age 20.
Look for any changes in your breasts.
*Baseline mammogram by the age of 40.
*Mammogram every one to two years for women 40-49, depending on previous findings.
Mammogram every year for women 50 and older.
*A personal calendar to record your self-exams, mammograms, and doctor
appointments.
*A low-fat diet, regular exercise, and no smoking or drinking.
POSSIBLE EARLY SIGNS
*A lump is detected, which is usually single, firm, and most
often painless.
*A portion of the skin on the breast or underarms swells and has an unusual
appearance.
*Veins on the skin surface become more prominent on one breast.
*The breast nipple becomes inverted, develops a rash, changes in skin texture,
or has a discharge other than breast milk.
*A depression is found in an area of the breast surface.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
www.nationalbreastcancer.org
www.cancer.org (American Cancer Society)
www.healthcentral.com
www.4women.org
www.nabco.org
www.webmd.com
www.lillywomenshealth.com