Breast Cancer Detection

BREAST CANCER – EARLY DETECTION

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Black women. Currently, there is no proven way to prevent breast cancer. The best way a woman can protect herself is by practicing early detection and reducing her known risk factors.

White women are more likely to develop breast cancer than Black women, however, Black women are more likely to die of the disease largely because it is not detected early enough. When breast cancer is found and treated early, before it has spread beyond the breast, the five-year survival rate is almost 97 percent. The bottom line: early detection of breast cancer saves lives.

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The Facts

The combination of monthly breast self examinations, yearly clinical breast examinations and regular mammograms beginning at age 40 are the best ways to detect breast cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

	Breast Self-Examination (BSE) – beginning at age 18, every woman should examine her breasts once a month to check for physical changes, especially the appearance of new lumps. It is very important for women to become familiar with their breasts and to understand what feels normal. The best time to do BSE is one week after the start of your menstrual period. If you are no longer menstruating, a BSE should be performed once a month on the same day. If you are unsure how to perform a BSE, ask a healthcare provider or call the Project office. If you find any changes in your breast, visit a healthcare provider immediately. A BSE is only done to detect changes and is not a diagnosis of breast cancer.
	Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) – once a year a healthcare provider should give you a CBE. This examination consists of checking the breasts for any changes, lumps or other warning signs of breast cancer through physical touch and appearance.
	Mammogram – beginning at age 40, all women should have a mammorgram once a year. Women at higher risk for breast cancer may need to have a screening mammogram before the age of 40. Mammograms are x-ray images of breast tissue that detect abnormalities too small to be felt during a BSE or CBE. A mammogram may be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. Mammograms can detect lumps in the breast up to two years before they can be felt.

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The Risks

All women can develop breast cancer, however, the risk increases as you get older. Women who have the following risk factors have a greater chance of developing the disease and should speak with a healthcare provider about their risk.

	Personal or family history of breast cancer, especially in a mother, sister or daughter.
	Inheriting a mutation in one of two breast-cancer related genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2).
	Beginning menstruation before age 12 or going through menopause after age 50.
	Exposure to repeated, high-dose radiation treatments in the chest area;
	Never having children.
	Consuming two or more alcoholic beverages daily.
	Obesity or physical inactivity.

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The Symptoms

Breast cancer is often detected in its earliest stage as an abnormality on a mammogram. The following physical symptoms may occur as the disease progresses:

	Breast lump or thickening
	Swelling, redness or tenderness.
	Changes in nipple color and texture.
	Dimpling or puckering of the skin.
	Lump in underarm area.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, see your healthcare provider immediately.

References:

The Cancer Research Foundation of America www.preventcancer.org