Women's Center
BAPTIST HEALTH Breast Center
Breast Cancer
EVERY WOMAN IS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING BREAST CANCER.
Some known risk factors
are:- Personal history
of breast cancer
- Family history
of breast cancer, especially in a first degree relative (mother, sister or
daughter), if the cancer developed before menopause or affected both breasts
in any of these family members
- First menstrual
period at an early age
- Menopause at
a late age
- Having no children
- First pregnancy
after age 30
- Obesity and
excess alcohol consumption may increase breast cancer risk
Risk increases
with age. More than three of four breast cancer patients are 50 years and older.
Early
Detection
Early detection through breast self exam, clinical breast exam and mammography
is critical for all women, even those without any known risk factors. The earlier
the breast cancer is detected, the more likely it is to be successfully treated.
Mammography can identify breast cancer in its most treatable stages long before
a tumor can be felt.
Warning
Signs
- Breast lump,
thickening or swelling
- Skin irritation
or redness
- Dimpling or
puckering of the breast skin
- Bleeding or
retraction of the nipple
Guidelines
for Direction
- Age 20-39
- Annual clinical
breast exam by a physician or nurse
- Monthly breast
self exam
- Age 40+
- Annual mammography
- Annual clinical
breast exam by a physician or nurse
- Monthly breast
self exam