Breast Cancer
By Emma Kersting
10 Facts
2. Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the breast, it is called breast cancer. Except for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women. (Source)
3. The symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle, a mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea, a change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast, a blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple, a change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed), redness of the skin on the breast or nipple, a change in shape or position of the nipple, an area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast, and a marble-like hardened area under the skin. (Source)
4. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally. As the breast cancer grows, it can spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes . Advanced breast cancer can affect the bones, liver, and brain
5. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. (Source)
6. A type of breast cancer known as "early-onset breast cancer," have been shown to be linked to certain genes that can be tracked within a family. It is therefore possible that inheriting particular genes makes a person susceptible to certain cancers. (Source)
7. Breast cancer does not have any early symptoms. Therefore, it is important to undergo routine screening tests, such as breast self-exams and mammograms. (Source)
8. The exact cause of breast cancer is not known. A woman's age and health history play a part. The chances that you will get breast cancer increase as you age. In the United States, 1 woman out of 8 will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. (Source)
9. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer. Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast, like the ducts or the lobes. (Source)
10. Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women. About 11% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age. While breast cancer diagnosis and treatment are difficult for women of any age, young survivors may find it overwhelming. (Source)
5 Ways to prevent
Annual screening mammography starting at age 40 or 50. Breast cancer experts don't agree when women need to begin getting mammograms. Ask your doctor.(Source)
Women in high-risk categories should have screening mammograms every year and typically start at an earlier age. MRI or ultrasound screening can also be given in addition to mammograms. Discuss the best approach with your doctor. (Source)
Have your breasts examined by a health care provider at least once every three years after age 20, and every year after age 40. Clinical breast exams can complement mammograms. (Source)
Get enough sleep. (Source)
Don’t drink alcohol, or limit alcoholic drinks to no more than one per day. (Source)
Citations
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"Are There Different Kinds of Breast Cancer?" Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21 July 2014. Web. 16 Mar. 2015.