Breast cancer awareness means knowing risk factors, detection methods, symptoms and how to examine yourself. It also means educating yourself by seeking out reliable sources of information about breast cancer. Fortunately, the increase of breast cancer awareness has led to an improvement in both diagnosis and treatment of the disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Risk Factors
Age is one important risk factor for breast cancer. As women get older, their chances of being afflicted by breast cancer increase--half of all women diagnosed are age 65 or older, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Having a history of early menstruation or late menopause, having a first child at a later age, or never having given birth are all risk factors. Family history of breast cancer, particularly in a mother or sister, increases your own chances of getting the disease. Although most of the factors putting a women at higher risk are beyond her control, every woman can reduce her risk automatically by maintaining a healthy weight and following a diet low in saturated fat.
Detection
The American Cancer Society recommends that women in their 20s and 30s have a clinical breast exam about every three years. Women over the age of 40 should have a clinical breast exam and mammogram yearly. A small number of women, because of their family history or genetic tendencies, might require such exams at an earlier age.
Symptoms
Symptoms of breast cancer that a woman might notice include changes in the way the breast or nipple looks or feels. If you experience nipple tenderness or feel a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area, you should see a doctor without delay. A change in shape of the breast or nipple; the appearance of scaly, red or swollen skin on the breast or nipple; or nipple discharge are all visual warning signs that require evaluation by a physician.
Self-Examination
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, women first detect 70 percent of all breast cancers during self-examination. You can do a breast self-exam in the shower by moving the hand over each breast to feel for any abnormalities. In front of a mirror, visually examine your breasts first with arms at your sides, then with arms raised high, and finally with arms pressed firmly to your hips. You can also perform a self-exam when you are lying down.
Dispelling Myths
It is important that both women and men educate themselves with the facts, rather than allowing misinformation or fear prevent them from seeking medical attention. It is not true that all breast lumps are cancerous--in fact, eight out of 10 are benign. It is also a myth that only women get breast cancer; each year some 1,700 men are diagnosed. And although you might have heard that the use of deodorants or antiperspirants causes breast cancer, there is no conclusive evidence linking the two, according to the National Cancer Institute.
