SRHS - Oncology Information

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Breast Cancer Information

*What is Breast Cancer?*	*Prevention & Detection*
Before you can launch an effective battle against breast cancer, it’s important to understand some basics. In this section, you’ll find answers that help you move forward with a solid grounding in the facts, including information about: What Breast Cancer is Symptoms Stages of Breast Cancer Prevention	Yearly mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. Clinical breast exams (CBE) every three years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over. Women should report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women at increased risk (e.g., family history, genetic tendency, past breast cancer ) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of starting mammography screening earlier, having additional tests (e.g., breast ultrasound or MRI), or having more frequent exams.
*Risk Factors*	*Treatment*
The following risk factors increase the chance of developing breast cancer: Gender: Being female Age: Older than 50 years Genetic risk factors: About 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary. Family history of breast cancer Personal history of breast cancer Race: White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African-American women. African-American women are more likely to die of breast cancer. Asian, Hispanic, and Native American women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Previous breast biopsy: Having a previous biopsy result of atypical hyperplasia increases a woman's breast cancer risk by 4 to 5 times. Having a biopsy specimen diagnosed as fibrocystic changes does not affect breast cancer risk. Previous breast radiation Menstrual periods: Women who started menstruating before age 12 or who went through menopause after age 55 have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. Not having children: Women who have had no children or who had their first child after age 30 have a slightly higher breast cancer risk. Hormone replacement therapy Alcohol: > 1 alcoholic drink a day Obesity and high-fat diet More Risk Factor Information	In recent years, there's been an explosion of life-saving treatment advances against breast cancer, bringing new hope and excitement. Instead of only one or two options, today there's an overwhelming menu of treatment choices that fight the complex mix of cells in each individual cancer. The decisions—surgery, then perhaps radiation, hormonal (anti-estrogen) therapy, and/or chemotherapy—can feel overwhelming. Overview of Options What types of treatment are available and which might be appropriate for you.
*Additional Resources*	Classes
American Cancer Society (ACS) Phone: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) National Cancer Institute (NCI) Phone: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Phone: (972) 855-1600 BreastCancer.org	View the many classes that Southern Regional offers on cancer.

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