Breast Cancer Awareness
Tabitha Moche NP-C
October 6, 2014
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer- abnormal/malignant (cancer) cells that start growing in breast
Cells can break away and metastasize/spread to other parts of the body through blood vessels and lymph nodes
Statistics
In the US and around the world, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with the disease in their life
Rare, but also occurs in men
Risk factors
Female gender
Older age
Early age at first period/menarche, late age at last period/menopause
Family history of breast, ovarian or prostate cancer
Exposure to large amounts of radiation (especially in chest area) in youth
Detection
Monthly self-breast exams- important because they allow you to identify any changes. Not sure how to do a monthly breast exam? It is best to ask your healthcare provider to show you. They can explain to you when and the proper technique.
Clinical breast exam- performed by healthcare professional. You should get a clinical breast exam at least once a year, or any time you notice a change in your breasts during your monthly breast exams.
Mammogram- special X-ray of breast that identifies any abnormal/suspicious areas.
Signs/symptoms
Lump in breast or armpit
Change in how the nipple or breast feels
Change in nipple/breast appearance size or shape. For example; dimpling, orange peel appearance, swelling, shrinkage or redness (especially if only on one side)
Nipple discharge (bloody or clear) or sore or rash
New pain in one particular area that doesn’t go away
General stages of breast cancer
1 – early stage, cells confined to a limited area in breast
2 a, b- early stage, but cells have started to spread in the breast
3 a, b, c- advanced stage. Cancer has started invading tissues surrounding breast but has not spread to other parts of the body
4- more advanced stage. Cancer has metastasized/spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment
Every case is different, but the most common treatments for breast cancer are:
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Targeted therapy
Mastectomy (The removal of the entire breast)
Lumpectomy (The removal of effected breast tissue)
Lymphadenectomy (The removal of lymph nodes)
Reducing risk
Good nutrition and physical activity
No smoking/stop smoking
Healthy lifestyle with balanced diet
Exercise/watch weight
Limit alcohol consumption
Visit a health care provider
To better learn how you can reduce your personal breast cancer, visit a health care professional. You should visit your health care provider yearly to determine if you are at a higher risk, sand if so what steps you should be taking.
We recommend scheduling a yearly well-woman exam for women, or discussing concerns at your yearly physical for men.
At Manassas Clinical Research Center we offer Well-Woman exams for those without insurance for only $75! This includes a Pap Smear, a clinical breast exam, and a referral for mammogram or other diagnostic testing as needed (this is based on age and other risk factors).
When was your last well woman exam? Call today to schedule!
Resources
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Susan G. Komen Foundation
Cancer.org