1. Know the risk factors for breast
cancer and follow the guidelines for early detection.
Okay, let’s review. I want to
make sure you’re all paying attention…
ALL women should know the risk factors for breast cancer—age, family history, late menstruation, delayed childbirth, diet, and alcohol intake. All women should also follow the established guidelines to help detect breast cancer early, when the chances for survival are the greatest.
Guidelines for early detection:
- Women 20 years of age and older should perform breast self-exams (BSE) every month.
- Women between the ages of 20 and 39 should have a physician-performed clinical breast exam at least every three years and practice monthly breast self-exams.
- Women 40 years of age and older should have yearly screening mammograms in addition to yearly clinical breast exams and monthly breast self-exams.
- Women with a high risk of breast cancer and/or family history of breast cancer are encouraged to consult their doctor or other trained medical professional about receiving annual screening mammograms starting at an earlier age, as early as age 25 in some cases.
2. Breast cancer is
diagnosed by biopsy.
A breast biopsy, followed by an
analysis of the breast cells under a microscope, is the only definitive way to determine
whether or not a woman has breast cancer. A biopsy may be recommended after breast imaging
tests (such as mammography
or ultrasound) or physical
breast exams indicate a suspicious breast abnormality. But remember, not
every woman referred for this test has breast cancer. In fact, 65% to 80%
of breast biopsies result in benign (non-cancerous) diagnoses.
3. The type of breast cancer
treatment a woman receives depends on several factors.
Most women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer will undergo some type of treatment
for the disease. A woman’s most favorable course of treatment will depend on a number
of factors including the size and location of the breast tumor, the stage of the cancer, and results of
laboratory tests (such as hormone receptor tests). Before undergoing treatment, women are
encouraged to learn about the different treatment options available and to
discuss all possible alternatives with their physicians. Remember, like
all medical procedures, it’s always a wise decision to obtain a second
opinion before beginning breast cancer treatment.
The majority of women with breast cancer will undergo surgery as part of their cancer treatment. The standard types of breast surgery include: lumpectomy (removal of a breast lump and surrounding margin of breast tissue) and mastectomy (breast removal). In addition to surgery, some women will receive additional treatment to stop cancer growth, spread, or recurrence (the return of cancer). These treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and drug treatments. Occasionally women may be treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or drugs without having breast surgery.
4. A diagnosis of breast
cancer is not a death sentence.
Many women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer undergo treatment and continue to
live happy, productive lives. However, the women with the best chances of survival are
those who’s breast cancers are detected in the earliest stages!!
For example, women who are diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and undergo treatment have a near 100% survival rate! DCIS is an early stage breast cancer in which the cancer cells are confined to the milk ducts of the breast. Unfortunately, the later breast cancer is diagnosed, the lower a woman’s chances of survival. Therefore, it is essential that we all know the risk factors for breast cancer and follow the established guidelines to help detect it early.
For more detailed information on all aspects of breast cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survival, go to Imaginis.com.
Okay, now that you know the ABC’s of breast cancer, we can get back to the fun stuff. Come see me at www.shesheme.com and register to get my bi-weekly, chuckle-inducing commentary chock full of the very best fashion and beauty tips in Cybertown. See you soon!
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Breast Health 101 was created by she she me (www.shesheme.com) and Imaginis.com. For more information contact us via email at: breasthealth101@imaginis.com