About 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her life. In 2015, an estimated 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 60,290 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. According to breastcancer.org, this is what happens; this is what is going to happen. Breast cancer forms in the cells of the breasts. Although more common in women, breast cancer can occur in both men and women. Knowing the signs and symptoms and getting screenings are two very important things that must be known in order to prevent and treat breast cancer.Â
Symptoms of breast cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic, are:
- A breast lump or thickening that feels unusual
- Bloody discharge from the nipple
- Change in size, shape or appearance of the breast
- Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
- A newly inverted nipple
- Peeling, scaling or flaking of the pigmented area of the areola or breast skin
- Redness or pitting of the skin over the breast (like an orange)
By knowing these symptoms and signs, we can be better informed and know when action needs to be taken—as well as to offer help and support to those who need it.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some factors associated with an increased risk of breast cancer are:
- Gender: Women are much more likely than men to develop breast cancer.
- Age: Your risk of breast cancer increases as you get older.
- Personal history: If you have had breast cancer in one breast, you have an increased risk of developing cancer in the other breast.
- A family history of breast cancer
- Genes: Certain gene mutations that can increase the risk of breast cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can be passed down from parents to children.
- Radiation exposure
- Obesity
- Puberty: If your period begins before the age of 12, your risk increases.
- Beginning menopause at an older age
- Having your first child at an older age
- Having never been pregnant: Women who have never been pregnant have a greater risk of breast cancer than women who have had one or more pregnancies.
- Postmenopausal hormone therapy
- Drinking alcohol
An important thing to remember is that even if you have one or more of the risk factors it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will develop breast cancer. But by knowing these risk factors, we can become more informed and spread awareness.
Being screened for breast cancer is an extremely important practice and should be done regularly. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three main tests that are used to screen the breast for cancer. You should always talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you and at what time in your life you should have them.
The first main test for breast cancer is a mammogram. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and is also the best way to find breast cancer early. In its early stages, breast cancer is easier to treat and there are no symptoms. The United States Preventive Service Task Force recommends that if you are between the ages of 50 to 74 years old, you should go getting a screening mammogram every two years. If you are between the ages of 40 and 49, it is best to speak with your doctor about when you should start having screening mammograms and how often you should get them.
The second main test is a clinical breast exam, which is performed by a doctor or nurse who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or other changes. The third main test is a breast self-exam. This is when you check your own breasts for lumps, changes in size or shape of the breast or any other changes in the breasts or underarms.
Getting screened for breast cancer is important for early detection and prevention. By learning the signs, symptoms and available options we can better understand and treat the disease. Breast cancer is a beast, and we have to fight it together. Let’s increase awareness, support one another and save women in the process.
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