5 Things You Need to Know About Breast Cancer Screening

1. Who is at risk for breast cancer?

Breast cancer will be diagnosed in 200,000 women annually in the United States or 1 in 8 women in their lifetime. Of those, 20% will die, ranking second only to lung cancer among women’s cancer deaths. Increased risk factors include the following:
• Being female: women are a 100 times more likely to develop breast cancer than men
• Age: 2/3 of woman with invasive breast cancer are 55 and older
• Genetics: up to 10% of breast cancers are genetic because of the inheritance of the mutated genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Family history of breast cancer: your risk doubles when a first-degree relative (mother or sister) has breast cancer
• You have had breast cancer before.
• Breast biopsies with proliferative lesions with atypia (excessive growth of abnormal appearing cells).
• Starting menses before age 12 and entering menopause after age 55.
• Race: Caucasians are more likely to have breast cancer than African Americans. Other races are less likely to develop breast cancer.
• Having children after age 30.
• Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
• Alcohol: greater than 1 drink per day increases the risk
• Oral contraceptives and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy that is combined (estrogen and progesterone)

2. What is breast cancer screening?

Breast cancer screening includes mammograms, clinical breast exams and self breast exams. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that can reveal abnormal growths and calcifications that may indicate cancer. However, breast ultrasound and biopsy are needed to further confirm the diagnosis. The clinical breast exam is performed by the health care provider and the self breast exam is done by the patients themselves.

3. At what age should screening begin?

The American Cancer Society and the American Medical Association recommend that younger women in their 20s and 30s should have regular clinical breast exams (at least every three years) and annual screening mammograms beginning at age 40.

4. How do I perform a self breast exam?

First, begin by lying down with the right arm above your head and using the left hand to palpate the right breast. Starting at the breast tissue at he center of your chest (near the sternum) use the first through third fingers in a small circular motion to feel the breasts as you move your hand downward. You are looking for any mass or changes in the tissue that are different from previous exams. As you reach the edge of the breast tissue move outward slightly and repeat the upward motion. Continue to repeat this up and down motion until you have felt all areas of the breast, including the underarm area as breast tissue and lymph nodes are located in this area.

You should also stand in front of the mirror with the hands on the waist and note any changes in the breast appearance, color, or dimpling. Be certain to check underneath the breast for any changes. Finally, while sitting or standing raise your arm slightly and feel throughout the armpit area, again you are looking for any masses or lumps that were not previously there. If you still have concerns about the correct way to perform a self breast exam you health care provider can demonstrate how to do it and what is normal tissue for you.

5. What should I do if I find a breast mass?

First of all if you find a breast mass, do not panic. You should contact your health care provider who will perform a clinical breast exam and order additional testing as indicated.