Breast Cancer Information-- Breast Cancer Symptoms

Just about every man and woman on the planet has heard the term “breast cancer” unfortunately the number of men or women that actually know and understand what Breast Cancer does is truly staggering. Breast Cancer is a disease where cancer cells form in the breast tissue. There is a specific term for breast cancer which is “Heterogeneous Disease”. Heterogeneous disease means that it is a different disease in different women. It is also a completely different disease for women in different age groups.

When in younger women breast cancer tends to be a much more aggressive disease. Breast cancer is also the most common cancer for women in the united states with the exception of Skin Cancer. Over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone. Not to mention more than 40,000 will die. Breast Cancer isn’t only found in women however. Men can develop breast cancer and it is estimated that over 1700 men will be diagnosed and over 450 will die by years end.

Risk Factors Of Breast Cancer

No one truly knows the exact causes of breast cancer. Though there is research to show the type of women that are more likely to develope it.

• Older age - over half of all women diagnosed are over the age of sixty-five
• Gene Changes - Including BRCA1, BRCA2 and many others
• Early onset of menses or late menopause
• Drinking more then 2 alcoholic drinks a day
• A High saturated fat content in the diet
• Obesity
• Never giving birth or having first child at a older age
• Dense breast tissue (visual via mammogram)
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Treatment with radiation therapy to the breas/chest
• A family history of breast cancer

Symptoms

In most cases the early stages of breast cancer do not cause pain. So it can be hard to detect without active checkups and mammograms.

• Change In How The Breast Or Nipple Feels
• Change In Appearance of the Breast or Nipple
• Nipple Discharge

Early Detection Plan

In order to be sure you catch the cancer early (if you develop it) you should have a early detection plan which should include the following.

• From ages 20-39, have clinical breast examinations.
• monthly self examinations from age 20 on.
• Baseline mammogram by the age of 40
• From ages 40-49, Mammogram every one to two years (depends on what findings have occurred during previous years)
• Mammogram every year for women over 50
• Personal calendar to record your self examinations, mammograms, and doctor appointments
• Low fat diet, regular exercise, and no smoking or drinking.

How to do a Breast Self-Examination

Fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine left breast, left hand for right breast. Check for any lump, hard knot or thickening. Carefully observe any changes in your breasts.

Inspect your breasts with arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.

Look for any changes in contour of each breast, a swelling, a dimpling of skin or changes in the nipple. Then rest palm on hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match - few women’s breasts do.

Place pillow under right shoulder, right arm behind your head. With fingers of left hand flat, press right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast. Use light, medium and firm pressure. Squeeze nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.