National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

sources: National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov) and American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org)

Employee Wellness Department2310 N. First St., Suite 103

San Jose, CA 95131(408) 299-5825

www.sccgov.org/wellness

Facts About Breast Cancer• Breast cancer is the 2nd most common

type of cancer in American women.

• Breast cancer can develop in men.

• The chance of getting or dying from breast cancer increases with age.

• Many women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

Risk Factors• Obesity• Menstruation before age

12• Not having children or

having them later in life• Menopause after age 55• Using post-menopausal

hormone replacement therapy

• Exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol

• Recent oral contraceptive use

• High levels of estrogen due to cirrhosis, Klinefelter syndrome, or estrogen treatment

• Gender• Age• White or African

American• Inherited gene mutations• Family history of breast

cancer or ovarian cancer• Personal history of breast

cancer or benign breast conditions

• Alcohol consumption• Previous chest radiation• Dense breast tissue

SymptomsMost of the time, early breast cancer does not have any symptoms. As it grows however, symptoms may include:• A lump that wasn’t there before• A lump that has changed• A change in the size or shape of the breast• Pain in your breast or nipple that doesn’t go away• Skin anywhere on the breast that is flaky, red, or

swollen• A nipple that is very tender• A nipple that turns in (when it hasn’t been like that

before)• A nipple discharge other than breast milk

Breast Cancer ScreeningThe best strategy for reducing your risk of death

caused by breast cancer is early detection and prompt treatment.

Three tests commonly used to screen for breast cancer:• Mammogram: An x-ray of the breast

• Clinical Breast Exam: An exam of the breast by a doctor or other health professional

• Breast Self-Exam: An exam to check your own breast for lumps or anything else that seems unusual

Breast Health Plan• Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every

year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.

• Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional, preferably every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.

• Breast self exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. A breast self exam can be done monthly or once in a while. Women who choose to do BSE should have their BSE technique reviewed during their physical exam by a health professional.

• Women at high risk for breast cancer should get an MRI and mammogram every year.

• Men with a strong family history of breast cancer and/or with several risk factors should talk with their doctors about developing a breast screening program.

Staying Healthy To protect your overall health and reduce your

risk of certain cancers, the American Cancer Society recommends:• Eating a healthy diet that includes 5 or more

servings of vegetables and fruits each day, choosing whole grains over processed (refined) grains, and limiting the amount of processed and red meats

• Exercising for 45 to 60 minutes 5 or more days a week

• Maintaining a healthy weight• Limiting alcohol intake