Breast Health Awareness

Breast cancer is a disease that primarily affects women.

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells, which leads to a tumor. Tumors can be benign (which means they are not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A malignant tumor that develops in the breast is called “breast cancer”.

Malignant tumor cells continue to divide and multiply. They may invade surrounding tissue and spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to form cancerous tumors in other parts of the body (metastatic cancer).

WHO GETS BREAST CANCER?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer that occurs in women. Only 1 % of all breast cancer cases occur in men.

WHAT IS THE RISK OF DEVELOPING BREAST CANCER

As a woman ages, the risk of breast cancer increases. This is independent of any other risk factor a woman may have.
If a group of women live to be 90 years old, 1 in 8 of these women will develop breast cancer.
A woman’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is 1 in 8.

Risk factors for breast cancer

Age: The most important risk factor is age. As women get older their risk of getting breast cancer increases. 77% of all breast cancer cases occur in women older than 50.

From birth to 39 years of age: 1 in 231 women will get breast cancer

From 40 to 59 years of age: the risk goes up to 1 in 25

From 60 to 79: the chance of developing breast cancer is 1 in 15

Positive family history: having a mother, sister or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer (diagnosed before they reach menopause) increases your risk. However, only around 10% of people with breast cancer have a positive family history. 90% of women with a close relative diagnosed with breast cancer do not develop breast cancer.

Other risk factors include: early onset (young age) of first
menses, hormone replacement therapy for menopause and women who have not had children.

CAN BREAST CANCER BE PREVENTED?

Unfortunately, at this time, breast cancer cannot be prevented. However, it is curable when diagnosed early.

The best response to treatment occurs with smaller tumors, so early detection of breast cancer gives the best chance of successful treatment.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Be aware. Know that breast cancer can occur and do not be afraid to check for it.
Learn to examine your breasts. Do it every month.
See a doctor if you discover anything suspicious.
Visit a doctor for a breast examination every year, once you are 40 years old.
Do a mammogram (breast x-ray) regularly if you are 40 years and older or younger if you are at high risk.