|
|
Breast
Cancer Information
Page
SOME BREAST
CANCER HEALTH FACTS:
|
|
How many women
will be diagnosed?
One in
every eight (yes-8) women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in
her lifetime. Over 40,000 women in the USA will die from
invasive breast cancer this year. It is estimated that close to
2,000 men will be diagnosed and 450 men will die of breast cancer
during the year. In addition to invasive breast cancer, 67,770 new
cases of in situ breast cancer are expected to occur among women. Of
these, approximately 85 percent will be ductal
carcinoma in situ
(DCIS). |
|
|
|
Older Women - All women are at risk for breast cancer. The two
most significant risk factors are being female and getting older.
The risk of developing breast cancer increases as you age. The
majority of new breast cancers and breast cancer deaths occur in
women aged 50 and older. Until more is known about preventing breast
cancer, early detection offers the best defense against breast
cancer. For more information & guidance in performing Breast
Self Examinations, get the FREE booklet below "Women &
Breast Health
".
|
|
|
|
Younger Women - Although rare, younger women can also develop
breast cancer. Less than 5 percent of all breast cancers occur in
women under age 40. Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer under
age 40 are more likely to have a BRCA1 or 2 genetic mutation. These
genes are important in the development of breast cancer, and women
who carry defects on either of these genes are at greater risk of
developing breast and ovarian cancer. If a woman carries a defective
BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, she may have a 50 percent to 85 percent chance
of developing breast cancer. So while the risk of breast cancer is
generally much lower for younger women, there is still a high risk
for some. It is important for younger women to become familiar with
how their breasts look and feel through monthly breast self-exams
(BSE), beginning by age 20. The best time to perform BSE is just as
your period ends. During BSE, if you discover a lump or notice any
unusual changes in your breasts, see your health care provider for a
clinical breast examination. For guidance in performing your BSE,
click on the free booklet below "Women &
Breast Health
".
|
|
|
|
Pregnant Women - Breast cancer is the most
common cancer in pregnant and postpartum women. It occurs in about 1
in 3,000 pregnancies. The detection of a lump may be hindered by the
natural tenderness and enlargement of the breasts in pregnant and
lactating women. It is important for pregnant and lactating women to
practice monthly breast self-examination and to have clinical breast
exams as part of a routine prenatal examination. For guidance in
performing your BSE, click on the free booklet below "Women &
Breast Health".
|
|
|
|
Men -
Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does happen. In 2008, it is
estimated that 1,990 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and
450 will die from it. Signs and symptoms of breast cancer in men
include: nipple discharge (usually bloody), nipple inversion, breast
lump, and occasionally, local pain, itching and pulling sensation.
The survival rate of men and women is comparable by stage of disease
at the time of diagnosis. However, men are usually diagnosed at a
later stage because they are less likely to report any symptoms.
Treatment of breast cancer is the same as treatment for female
patients and usually includes a combination of surgery, radiation,
chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy. All men should know the facts
about breast cancer diagnoses in men
.
|
|
|
|
Understanding Risk - Day in and day out, we all take steps to manage the
risks in our lives. We wear our seatbelts to avoid getting hurt in a
car crash. We brush our teeth to protect them from cavities, and we
carry umbrellas to cut down on the risk of getting soaked in a
storm. Yet, even while we take these types of steps every day, most
of us don’t spend much time thinking about risk. But it’s actually
an important concept that’s worth exploring, especially when it
comes to matters of health and science. “Risk” in these fields can
have a number of different meanings, and knowing some of the basic
types of risk can help you better understand your chances of
developing a disease like breast cancer and the steps you can take
to protect yourself from it. To find out more about risk factors,
and to calculate your level of risk, you can use the Cancer
Risk Table
at Komen for the
Cure. |
|
|
|
Genetic Risk - If you have a first degree relative who has
succumbed to breast cancer, or have two or more immediate relatives
who have been diagnosed under the age of 50, you may consider BRCA1
& BRCA2 testing. Genetic mutations occuring in these can
indicate a predisposition to diagnosis of breast cancer. The National
Cancer Institute's Paper on BRCA1 & BRCA2
is available for you to
utilize in helping to decide whether genetic testing is appropriate for
you. |
|
INFORMATIONAL BOOKLETS -
FREE FOR YOU TO
SHARE! |
|
Please feel free to obtain
any or all of the booklets below and save them to your computer or
print out and share! Although free, any & all donations to help fund
finding the cure are appreciated.
Each booklet contains
valuable information for not only every woman, but for men, as
well! Early detection is your best protection, and being
informed and proactive in your own healthcare is key! Just click
on any booklet to initiate the download.
|
|
|
PLEASE NOTE:
All booklets below
require Adobe
Reader (free software) to view. Just go to Adobe.com to
obtain your free copy of the latest version of Adobe Reader
. |
|
|
|
   |
|
|
|
  RETURN TO OUR HOMEPAGE
|
|
