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