Breast Cancer

The cancer that affects the breast is known as breast cancer. The onset of breast cancer is generally found in women over the age of thirty.

Symptoms of Breast CancerThe initial symptoms of breast cancer may not be very obvious. A common early feature is a hard, usually painless lump in the breast. Another early sign may be discharge from the nipples which may be mixed with blood. For example, the breast may have an orange peel appearance, or the nipple might have some ulceration. Heaviness of one breast is also an early sign.
In the later stages of breast cancer, a mass might be noticed in the arm-pit, or lumps in the breast could become painful. Bone pain, heaviness of abdomen and shortness of breath are later symptoms. These are usually caused by the spread (metastases) of cancer.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

• Increasing age: eighty five percent of breast cancer cases occur in women above 50 years of age Experts are of the opinion that women over fifty should undergo screening for breast cancer on an annual basis (the last line says a mammogram should be done every two years)
• Family history: Women who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer are at a higher risk for breast cancer than those without such a history. Women with two or more close relatives [a mother, daughter, or sister] who have had pre-menopausal breast or ovarian cancer, have a greater chance of developing breast cancer.
• Personal medical history: Women who have had cancer in one breast have an increased risk of developing cancer in the other breast.

Breast Cancer Screening Methods

There are three major screening tools for detection of breast cancer, self examination of ones breasts, examination by a doctor,a mammogram. Doctors may also recommend a breast MRI or ultrasound.

• Self-examination: Self-examination can be done to check for abnormal or painful lumps. The best time to do this is a week after your menstrual period when the breasts are least lumpy. If you do not have a menstrual period, pick one day each month. To do this, lift one arm and feel the breast on that side for any lumps. Do the same on the other side. It is important to do this regularly-about once a month,so that you know which lumps are normal. If you find lumps that are not usually there or that are painful or tender, contact your doctor for further examination.
• Examination by a doctor: A doctor will perform a breast exam to detect any signs of breast cancer.
• Mammogram: A Mammogram is a special breast x-ray done on a Mammogram machine. It is the best screening test for reducing the risk of dying from breast cancer. Experts agree that women above age 50 should have a mammogram done every two years.