Who is at Risk?

The two most significant risk factor are being female and getting older.

In the United States, a woman living to age 85 has about an 11% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. An average woman's chances of getting breast cancer is about one in 200 by age 40, one in 50 by age 50, and one in 25 by age 60.

Based on current knowledge of gentics, about 5% to 10% of women with breast cancer have a hereditary form of the disease. These women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer at a younger age (before menopause), and they often have multiple family members with the disease.

Approximately 80% of the women with breast cancer are over age 50. In fact, half of all breast cancers in the United States occur in women 65 years and older. Although rare, younger women can also get breast cancer.

Risk Factors Include:

• Family history of breast cancer, especially when mother, sister, or daughter develops cancer before menopause or has had cancer in both breasts.
  
  
• Personal history of breast cancer
  
  
• Beginning menstrual periods at an early age (before age 12)
  
  
• Going through menopause at a late age (after age 55)
  
  
• Having no children
  
  
• Having first pregnancy after age 30
  
  
• Estrogen Replacement Therapy for more than ten years
  
  
• Higher education or socioeconomic level

Lifestyle choices influence the risk:

• Alcohol
  
  
• Smoking increases the risk of dying of breast cancer
  
  
• Overweight (and perhaps high-fat diets)
  
  
• Excercise decreases risk

Guideline for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation recommends the following:

• Annual screening mammography for women beginning by age 40. Women under age 40 with either a family history of breast cancer or other concerns about their personal risk should consult a trained medical professional about when to begin mammography.
  
  
• Clinical breast examination at least every 3 years beginning at age 20 and annually after age 40.
  
  
• Monthyl breast self-examination beginning by age 20. Become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts. If ANY change occurs, you should have a clinical breast examination by trained medical professionals.
  
  For more informaiton:
  The Susan G. Komen Breast CAncer Foundation
  1-800-IM-AWARE (1-800-462-9273)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Mammographic abnormalities characteristic of breast cancer include pointed, "crablike," or "starlike" lesions, small asymmetric densities, some micro califications, and sitortion of the structure of any appearance of assymmetry. Breast cancer may also appear as a round, "coinlike" lesion, but this is less common.

Lumps / Thickening

The most important physical symptom of breast cancer is a painless mass. Up to 10% of pastients, however, have breast pain and no mass. Less common symptoms include persistant changes to the breast, such as thickening, swelling, skin irritation or distortion, and nipple symptoms, including spontaneous discharge, erosion, inversion, or tenderness.

Look Good...Feel Better
Call 1-800-395-LOOK for more information

• A free, national public service program to help women cope with the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.
  
  
• Primarily offered in group sessions that provide education......