Breast Cancer Awareness Month, designated to highlight the threat of breast cancer among women and the importance of early detection, is observed each October. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, and it is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women of all races.
In 2016, an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 61,000 new cases of noninvasive breast cancer. A woman's risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 8.
The incident rate for female breast cancer has been declining over the last few years, and experts believe that decline is possibly a result of early detection and improved treatment. Right now, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
Breast cancer is a malignant disease of breast tissue characterized by tumors formed from uncontrolled growth of abnormal breast cells. While it is found mostly in women, men can develop breast cancer as well.
Typically, a person in the early stages of breast cancer does not exhibit any symptoms. As the cancer grows, it can spread throughout the breast or to other parts of the body. Breast cancer can cause death, although early detection through regular breast self-exams, regular mammograms and physical exams show excellent results in fighting it.
Changes that happen to the breast can include:
* A new lump or a lump that has changed shape or size.
* Change in the overall size or shape of the breast.
* Constant pain in the breast or nipple.
* Breast skin becoming flaky, red or swollen.
* Tenderness in the nipple.
* Nipples turn inward.
* Fluid other than breast milk coming from the nipple.
* A lump in the underarm area.
* Swelling of all or part of the breast.
Risk factors for developing breast cancer include the following:
* Age and gender: As we get older, the risk of developing breast cancer increases.
* Race: Breast cancer occurrence is higher for non-Hispanic white women than for women in other ethnicities or races. African-American women have the highest rate of death from breast cancer, and Asian / Pacific Islander women have the lowest.
* Children: Not having children, or having the first child later in life, increases the risk of getting breast cancer.
* Menstrual cycle and menopause: Women who had their first menstrual period before age 12 and those who went through menopause late also have an increased risk for breast cancer.
* Family history of breast cancer: Having close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer increases your risk of getting breast cancer.
* Personal medical history: Having had cancer in one breast increases the risk of developing cancer in the other breast.
The American Cancer Society recommends the following screenings for people with average risk for cancer and without any specific symptoms:
* Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
* Clinical breast exams as part of a periodic health exam, about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and older.
* Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam is an option for women starting in their 20s.
* People who are at increased risk for breast cancer may need to follow a different screening schedule, such as starting at an earlier age or being screened more often. If you have symptoms that could be related to cancer, see your doctor right away.
Many women with risk factors never develop breast cancer, and women with no identifiable risk factors can get breast cancer. Every woman should discuss the guidelines for breast cancer screenings with her health care provider.
For more information about breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society webpage at www.cancer.org. For information about breast self-exams call the Nurse Advice Line at 1 (800) 874-2273.
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