Breast Cancer Awareness
BY VIRGINIA MANSS, RN, MSN, AOCN
Director of Cancer Services, St. Joseph’s Medical Center
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Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States. The estimated incidence of new cases of breast cancer in 2008 is estimated by the American Cancer Society to be about 184,000, with 98.9% occurring in women. In fact, the risk of developing breast cancer for U.S. women is 1 in 8. These statistics while daunting, are not necessarily surprising. After all, who amongst us doesn’t know of a family member or friend that has been diagnosed with breast cancer? The good news is that with increased awareness, early detection, and advances research and treatment, more women today are surviving breast cancer.
Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?
Research continues to teach us about breast cancer and scientists are learning more about the possible causes and new ways to prevent, find, and treat this disease. Because of research, people diagnosed with breast cancer obtain more effective treatment with fewer side effects and long term effects and can look forward to a high quality life and future.
Although research is giving us new advancements, the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown. Breast cancer is NOT contagious or caused by bumping or bruising the breast. Unproven theories such as getting breast cancer from certain types of antiperspirants or drinking bottled water that has been left in the car too long have NOT been shown to be true in the research. Research has shown women with certain risk factors are more likely to develop breast cancer. Some risk factors are not avoidable such as: age (increased chance as you get older); personal history of breast cancer (having breast cancer on one side increases the chance of getting it on the other side); family history (especially first degree female relatives such as mother, sister or daughter); genetic alterations; race (more common in Caucasians); and menstrual history (starting menstruation before age 12 and going through menopause after age 55 increase risk). Other risk factors are within a woman’s ability to manage: the age of first pregnancy (the older a woman is when she has her first child, the greater the chance of breast cancer); taking hormone therapy or DES (can increase the risk); obesity, physical inactivity and drinking alcohol in excess can increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer.
Although research is giving us new advancements, the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown. Breast cancer is NOT contagious or caused by bumping or bruising the breast. Unproven theories such as getting breast cancer from certain types of antiperspirants or drinking bottled water that has been left in the car too long have NOT been shown to be true in the research. Research has shown women with certain risk factors are more likely to develop breast cancer. Some risk factors are not avoidable such as: age (increased chance as you get older); personal history of breast cancer (having breast cancer on one side increases the chance of getting it on the other side); family history (especially first degree female relatives such as mother, sister or daughter); genetic alterations; race (more common in Caucasians); and menstrual history (starting menstruation before age 12 and going through menopause after age 55 increase risk). Other risk factors are within a woman’s ability to manage: the age of first pregnancy (the older a woman is when she has her first child, the greater the chance of breast cancer); taking hormone therapy or DES (can increase the risk); obesity, physical inactivity and drinking alcohol in excess can increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer.
Screening and Early Detection is Important
Early detection and diagnosis is very important in all women, especially those with risk factors. Women should talk with their health care providers about their personal risk and plan appropriate follow up. Screening consists of:
Screening Mammogram – The National Cancer Institute recommends that women in their 40’s and older should have a mammogram every one to two years. Woman who have a higher than average risk of breast cancer should talk with their health care providers about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and more often.
Clinical Breast Exam – Should be done yearly by a health care provider while the woman is standing and lying down to observe for any abnormal signs such as dimpling, rash, or lumps. The lymph nodes under the underarm and collarbone should also be checked.
Breast Self Exam – Some women perform monthly breast self exams to check for any changes in their breasts. This should be done at the same time each month in the week following the menstrual cycle. It is normal for breasts to feel a little lumpy or uneven, which is why doing this consistently is important to observe for any changes or variations.
Screening Mammogram – The National Cancer Institute recommends that women in their 40’s and older should have a mammogram every one to two years. Woman who have a higher than average risk of breast cancer should talk with their health care providers about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and more often.
Clinical Breast Exam – Should be done yearly by a health care provider while the woman is standing and lying down to observe for any abnormal signs such as dimpling, rash, or lumps. The lymph nodes under the underarm and collarbone should also be checked.
Breast Self Exam – Some women perform monthly breast self exams to check for any changes in their breasts. This should be done at the same time each month in the week following the menstrual cycle. It is normal for breasts to feel a little lumpy or uneven, which is why doing this consistently is important to observe for any changes or variations.
Symptoms… Sometimes
The symptoms of breast cancer include: a lump or thickening in or near the breast, nipple tenderness or inversion (turned inward), nipple discharge or fluid, a change in the size or shape of the breast, or the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple becoming red, scaly, or swollen. Sometimes an inflammation of the breast (mastitis) can produce some of these same symptoms, but it is important for a health care provider to evaluate what is occurring so that any problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Often, there are no symptoms with breast cancer, and that is why a woman should be aware of the appropriate screening guidelines and follow through with yearly check ups and monthly self breast exams.
As a woman, it is important to become educated about our bodies and to be aware of the risk factors, screening recommendations, and symptoms involved with breast cancer. Taking charge of one’s health is vastly important… after all, this is the only body we are going to get and we want it to last a good long time!
Authors Note: If you or a family has had a positive diagnosis of breast cancer, there are many free educational and support resources available to you. Please call the St. Joseph’s Cancer Navigator line at (209) 939-4526 for more information.
Often, there are no symptoms with breast cancer, and that is why a woman should be aware of the appropriate screening guidelines and follow through with yearly check ups and monthly self breast exams.
As a woman, it is important to become educated about our bodies and to be aware of the risk factors, screening recommendations, and symptoms involved with breast cancer. Taking charge of one’s health is vastly important… after all, this is the only body we are going to get and we want it to last a good long time!
Authors Note: If you or a family has had a positive diagnosis of breast cancer, there are many free educational and support resources available to you. Please call the St. Joseph’s Cancer Navigator line at (209) 939-4526 for more information.