Fighting Breast Cancer

The following information is taken from the Susan G. Komen website. Link below:

http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/UnderstandingBreastCancer.html

Women  

In 2013, it is estimated that among U.S. women there will be [38]:

• 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer (This includes new cases of primary breast cancer among survivors, but not recurrence of original breast cancer among survivors.)
• 64,640 new cases of in situ breast cancer (This includes ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), of those, about 85 percent will be DCIS. DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer and LCIS is a condition that increases the risk of invasive breast cancer. Learn more about DCIS and LCIS.)
• 39,620 breast cancer deaths  

Men  

Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen. In 2013, it is estimated that among men in the U.S. there will be [38]:

•  2,240 new cases of invasive breast cancer   
•  410 breast cancer deaths 

Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. Screening tests can find cancer early, when chances for survival are highest.

1. Know your risk  

• Talk to both sides of your family to learn about your family health history  
• Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer

2. Get screened 

• Talk with your doctor about which screening tests are right for you if you are at ahigher risk  
• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
• Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40
• Sign up for your screening reminder at www.komen.org/reminder 

3. Know what is normal for you
See your health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes:

• Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that doesn't go away

To see illustrations of these warnings signs please visit the Breast Facts section.  

 4. Make healthy lifestyle choices 

• Maintain a healthy weight  
• Add exercise into your routine
• Limit alcohol intake
• Limit menopausal hormone use 
• Breastfeed, if you can