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CANCER
FACTS - Breast
| Signs
and Symptoms |
The
earliest sign of breast cancer is usually an abnormality that shows
up on a mammogram before it can be felt by the woman or her health
care provider. When breast cancer has grown to the point where physical
signs and symptoms exist, these may include a breast lump, thickening,
swelling, distortion, or tenderness; skin irritation or dimpling;
and nipple pain, scaliness, or retraction. Breast pain is very commonly
due to benign conditions and is not usually the first symptom of
breast cancer. |
| Risk
Factors |
The risk of
breast cancer increases with age. The risk is higher in women
who have a personal or family history of breast cancer, biopsy-confirmed
atypical hyperplasia, a long menstrual history (menstrual periods
that started early and ended late in life), recent use of oral
contraceptives or postmenopausal estrogens and who have never
had children or had their first child after age 30, consume two
or more drinks of alcohol daily, or have higher education and
socioeconomic status.
Worldwide,
breast cancer incidence rates appear to correlate with variations
in diet, especially fat intake, although a causal role for dietary
factors has not been firmly established. Additional factors that
are currently being studied that may be related to increased or
decreased breast cancer risk inclulde: pesticide and other chemical
exposures, weight gain, induced abortion, physical inactivity,
and selective estrogen-receptor modulators (SERMS) such as tamoxifen
and raloxifene.
Exciting new
research about BRCAL and BRCA2 susceptibility genes for breast
cancer is also in progress, although general screening of the
population for these genes is not recommended.
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| Early
Detection |
Mammography
is especially valuable as an early diagnostic tool because it can
identify breast abnormalities that may be cancer at an early stage
before physical symptoms develop. Numerous studies have shown that
early detection increases survival and treatment options. The large
declines in breast cancer mortality have been attributed, in part,
to the use of regular screening mammography.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older
have an annual mammogram, an annual clinical breast examination
by a health care professional, and perform monthly
breast self-examination. Women ages 20-39 should have a clinical
breast exam performed by a health care professional every three
years and should perform monthly breast self-examination.
Most breast lumps are not cancer, but only a physician can make
a diagnosis. When a woman has a suspicious lump or when a suspicious
area is identified on a mammogram, diagnostic mammography can help
determine whether additional tests are needed and if there are other
lesions that are too small to be felt in the same or the opposite
breast. All suspicious lumps should be biopsied for a definitive
diagnosis. |
Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 1998 - American Cancer Society
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