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BREAST CANCER INFO

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the breast. Malignant tumors have the potential to metastasize, or spread to other part of the breast and body. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women between 40 and 55 years of age.

RISK FACTORS:

The cause of breast cancer is not known but a risk factor is anything that affects a person's chance of getting a disease such as cancer.

• 40 yrs and above
• Family history
• Early menstruation
• Never having biological children
• Long term use of hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone combined)
• Tobacco use
• High fat diet
• Overweight
• Birth Control Pills
• Heavy alcohol drinkers

Having a risk factor or several of them does not mean you will get the disease. Many women with some risk factors will never develop breast cancer while some women who have no risk factors will develop it.

SYMPTOMS:

Some breast cancer symptoms may include:

• Pain in the nipple
• Swelling in the armpit
• A lump that can be felt, no matter how small
• Swelling of the breast
• A change in the color or feel of the breast, areola, or nipple (dimpled, puckered, or scaly)

Sometimes there are no symptoms of breast cancer when it is in the early stages. If you notice a lump, or any of these changes, you must report the symptoms to your health care provider as soon as possible.

PREVENTION/SCREENING:

The most effective way to fight breast cancer is to detect it early. A breast self-exam (BSE) is a way for you to check your breasts for changes (such as lumps or thickenings) and may help, although the most effective tools to detect breast cancer are mammography (x-ray of the breast) and a clinical breast exam by your health professional.

The American Cancer Society recommendations for early breast cancer screening:

• Women ages 40 and above should have a yearly mammogram

• Women in their 20's and 30's should have a clinical breast exam every 3 years as part of their regular health exam.

• Breast self exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away!

To be eligible for our breast cancer screening program, you must:

• Live in Montgomery County
• Uninsured or under-insured
• Low income (must meet Federal Poverty Guidelines)
• Be between the ages of 40 and 70
• Have no current diagnosis of breast cancer

For breast cancer screening information, please call 240.777.1750