October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We bring you information to highlight the importance of early detection.
Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends, did you know that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women besides skin cancer? It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. In the year 2000, there will be about 6,700 new cases of breast cancer among Michigan women, and about 1,500 deaths from the disease in Michigan alone.
Risk Factors. 75% of women with breast cancer have no specific risk factor other than simply being a woman. There is strong support that a diet high in fats and low in fruits and vegetables can increase one's risk of developing cancer. The same can be said for not getting evough exercise. The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman grows older. The risk is especially high for women age 60 and older. Having a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer almost doubles a woman's risk. Women who began having periods before age 12 or who went through menopause after age 50 have a small increased risk of breast cancer. The same is true for women who have not had children, or who had their first child after they were 30 years old.
Symptoms. The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A lump that is painless, hard, and has irregular edges is more likely to be cancer. But some cancers are tender, soft, and rounded. So it's important to have anything unusual checked by your doctor. Other signs of breast cancer include a swelling of part of the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or the nipple turning inward, redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, and a nipple discharge other than breast milk. It is extremely important not to wait until symptoms develop.
Detection. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances for successful treatment. The American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation recommend the following 3-step approach to breast health: monthly breast self exams; yearly clinical breast exams by a health care professional; mammograms.
Mammograms. Even if you have no breast
problems and your doctor has never recommended a mammogram, you should
have one yearly if you are 40 years or older. Mammograms help detect
breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. A mammogram
is an X-ray of the breast. Pictures are taken while the breast is
squeezed between two plates for a few seconds. You will feel some discomfort
when your breasts are compressed, but you should not feel pain. Compression
is necessary to produce the best picture using the lowest amount of radiation.
The entire procedure only takes about 20 minutes.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, between the ages
of 40-64, and live in Washtenaw or Livingston County, you may qualify
for a free/or low-cost mammogram through the Title 15 Program.
Please call 734-481-2502 to see if you are eligible. Please make
time for this valuable screening.
For more information, contact the American Cancer Society
at 800-4CANCER or the Breast Care Helpline at 800-462-9273; or your health
care professional.
