Compliments of Understanding Johns Hopkins Medicine Breast Health International Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that develops from cells in the breast. According to the Breast exams and American Cancer Society… breast cancer screening Breast exams • 1 out of 8 women get breast cancer There is a 98 percent five-year survival rate when include feeling • 1 percent of breast cancer cases occur in men breast cancer is discovered early (98 percent of for a change in • Approximately 12% of breast cancer diagnoses people diagnosed with breast cancer confined breast tissue and are under age 44 to the breast only will be living five years after visually inspect- diagnosis—whether disease-free, in remission or in ing the breast for Breast cancer risk treatment). Catching it early means that it is less changes. While certain factors may increase a woman’s likely to have spread to additional sites within the risk of developing breast cancer, there are body. When to call things women can do to decrease risk. Regular and thorough breast examination, Women should discuss their risk with a as well as radiological screening, can help detect a doctor physician or health care provider. breast cancer early and may prevent death from The most common breast cancer. All women should become familiar sign of breast cancer Factors that may increase risk: with both the appearance and feel of their breasts is a new lump or • Age (As a woman ages, her exposure to and promptly report any changes to their physician. mass. It’s important reproductive hormones, like estrogen, Women should discuss proper breast to have anything increases, which may increase the risk.) examination with a medical professional. A unusual checked by • Family history of breast cancer different approach than the general guidelines a doctor. • Personal history of prior breast cancer or below might be recommended, based on an Other signs: noncancerous breast disease individual’s risk factors. • Swelling of all or • Use of alcohol, especially two or more part of the breast drinks daily Women in their 20s and 30s • Skin irritation or • Obesity, especially excessive weight gain • Ask a medical professional about the proper dimpling • Physical inactivity technique for breast self-examination. • Breast pain • Immediately report any new breast symptoms to • Nipple pain or Factors that may decrease risk: a health care provider. the nipple turning • Maintain a healthy weight • Have a medical professional conduct a clinical inward • Exercise breast examination as part of a periodic health • Redness, scaliness, • Avoid tobacco products examination, preferably at least every three years. or thickening • Avoid alcohol use of the nipple or • Consume a healthy diet Women in their 40s and older breast skin • Know the risks for hormone replacement • Women who have never experienced any breast • A nipple discharge therapy (HRT) problems should continue to receive a clinical other than breast breast examination as part of a periodic health milk examination, preferably annually. • Discuss beginning annual mammography (x-rays of the breasts) with your health care provider. Disclaimer/Disclosure: © 2013 Johns Hopkins University. All rights reserved. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen..