BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer is a group of diseases that affects breast tissue. Both women and men can get breast cancer, though it is much more common in women. Some women are at higher risk for breast cancer than others because of their personal or family medical history or because of certain changes in their genes.
October 2017
SYMPTOMS
Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all. Some warning signs of breast cancer are:
New LUMP in the breast or underarm (armpit).
THICKENING or swelling of part of the breast.
IRRITATION OR DIMPLING of breast skin.
REDNESS OR FLAKY SKIN in the nipple area or the breast.
PULLING IN of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
NIPPLE DISCHARGE other than milk, including blood.
Any CHANGE IN THE SIZE OR SHAPE of the breast.
PAIN in any area of the breast.
Keep in mind that these symptoms can happen with other conditions that are NOT cancer. If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away.
RISK FACTORS
Studies have shown that your risk for breast cancer is due to a combination of factors.
55+
AGE
Most invasive breast cancers are found in women 55 years or older
+
GENDER
Breast cancer is 100 times more common in women than men
 
FAMILY HISTORY
Women with immediate blood relatives, such as a mother or sister, who has had breast cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease
65%
GENETICS
Women with a mutated BRCA1 gene have about a 55-65 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer
 
HIGH BREAST DENSITY
Women with less fatty tissue and more glandular and fibrous tissue may be at higher risk for developing breast cancer
lbs
OBESITY
Fat tissue may contribute to increases in estrogen levels which may increase the risk of breast cancer
NOT BEING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE
Women who are not physically active have a higher risk of getting breast cancer
HEAVY DRINKING
Alcohol use is linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.
HOW TO REDUCE RISK FOR BREAST CANCER
The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that average-risk women who are 50 to 74 years old should have a screening mammogram every two years. Average-risk women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor about when to start and how often to get a screening mammogram.
Keep a healthy weight
Exercise regularly (at least four hours a week)
Get enough sleep. Lack of nighttime sleep can be a risk factor
Don’t drink alcohol, or limit alcoholic drinks to no more than one per day
Avoid exposure to chemicals that can cause cancer (carcinogens) and chemicals that interfere with normal body function
Limit exposure to radiation from medical imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and PET scans if not necessary
Encourage monthly breast self-examination
Breastfeed any children you may have, if possible
Getting regular mammograms
If you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the risks