Breast Cancer FAQ

Why is breast cancer awareness so important?

The average woman’s risk of breast cancer is around 13 percent in the U.S. – meaning about one in eight women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. In fact, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among American women, besides skin cancers. Breast cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women, superseded only by lung cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 264,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the U.S., and roughly 42,000 women die as a result. By staying informed and taking preventive action to fight breast cancer, we can help to minimize the effect this disease has on women in our communities.

What are the risk factors?

Arguably the biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer is aging, but it’s important to remember that all women – no matter their age – can develop breast cancer. This means you may need to begin annual screenings sooner if you are at higher risk of developing the disease. Important risk factors to consider include genetic mutations, having dense breasts, a family history of breast cancer, a lack of physical activity, and being overweight after menopause, among others. Talk with your provider about your risk factors and ask about the best time for you to begin regular breast health screenings. You can also take our free Breast Health Risk Assessment.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Breast cancer symptoms vary widely, and many breast cancers have no obvious symptoms at all. According to the American Cancer Society, any of the following unusual changes in the breast can be a symptom of breast cancer:

• • • Swelling of all or part of the breast
    • Skin irritation or dimpling
    • Breast pain, nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
    • Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
    • A nipple discharge other than breast milk
    • A lump in the underarm area

These changes also can be signs of less serious conditions, such as an infection or a cyst. Performing a monthly breast self-exam is the best way of noticing any changes in your breasts. And it’s important to get any breast changes checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. If you’re older than 40 or have a high risk of developing breast cancer, you should also have an annual mammogram and a physical exam. The earlier breast cancer is found and diagnosed, the better your chances of successful treatment. Talk to your provider about your breast health today!

What steps can I take to reduce my breast cancer risk?

A mammogram is a simple, routine screening that takes about an hour, and that can detect breast cancer before symptoms start to appear. Mammograms have been proven to help reduce deaths from breast cancer by identifying the disease early, when treatment is most effective. Most women should get their first mammogram at age 40, and repeat based on their provider’s recommendations.

In addition to mammograms, there are a few proactive things you can do to help lower your risk for breast cancer. It’s important to exercise regularly, get enough sleep, eat healthy, limit your alcohol intake and avoid chemicals that can cause cancer. Clinical breast exams and self-exams are also good secondary methods for identifying warning signs like lumps or breast pain. Talk with your provider about your risk factors and ask about the best time for you to begin regular breast health screenings. Learn more about breast risk factors and prevention at Breast Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention Methods | American Cancer Society

Talk with your provider about your family history, areas of concern, and breast cancer risk. The sooner any form of breast cancer is detected, the greater the likelihood that treatment will be successful.

Schedule your screening mammogram today by calling Highpoint Health – Riverview at 615.735.5300 or Highpoint Health Imaging for Women at 615.328.6500.