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* A lump is detected, which is usually single, firm, and
most often painless.
* A portion of the skin on the breast or underarm 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.
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.
Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
* This year more than 200,000 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.
* 1,600 men will die of breast cancer this year.
* Seventy percent of all breast cancers are found through
breast self-exams. Not all lumps are detectable by touch. We
recommend regular mammograms and monthly breast self-exams.
* Eight out of ten 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.
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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.
An Early Breast Cancer Detection Plan should include:
* 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.
How to do a Breast Self-Examination
IN THE SHOWER Fingers flat, move gently over every part of
each breast. Use your right hand to examine left breast,
left hand for right breast.
Check for any lump, hard knot or thickening. Carefully
observe any changes in your breasts.
BEFORE A MIRROR Inspect your breasts with arms at your
sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.
Look for any changes in contour of each breast, a swelling,
a dimpling of skin or changes in the nipple. Then rest palm
on hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left
and right breasts will not exactly match - few women's
breasts do.
LYING DOWN Place pillow under right shoulder, right arm
behind your head. With fingers of left hand flat, press
right breast gently in small circular motions, moving
vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire
breast. Use light, medium and firm pressure. Squeeze nipple;
check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your
left breast.
Copyright © 2004 National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy
Mammography should continue yearly after age 40
throughout a woman's life.
For every 100 women that develop breast cancer, one man
will. 85% of women with breast cancer have a negative family
history.
Material on this page courtesy of
Tennessee Breast Center, Inc. Copyright ©2002 by Arts Uniq
®, Cookville, TN. Used with permission.
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