​Breast Cancer Awareness

​Common Warning Signs and Symptoms:

•  New lump in breast or underarm (armpit)
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Redness or flay skin in the nipple area or breast 
• Pulling in of the nipple
• Discharge from the nipple (such as blood) 
• Any change in the shape or size of breast
• Pain in the breast

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​Lowering Your Risk Factors:
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Breast Cancer?

• Know what is normal for you by performing monthly Self-Breast Exams 
• Genetic Screening for specific genes associated with breast cancer
• American Cancer Society recommends women have a Mammogram by age 45 (talk with your doctor about your specific risk factors that might require screening earlier)
• Maintain a healthy weight and activity level 
• Limit alcohol consumption 
• Breastfeed, if possible

​Common Risk Factors:

• Gender- females are at higher risk for breast cancer but can be found in men
• Age- as you age, the risk of breast cancer increases. Most are diagnosed 50+
• Genetics- BRCA-1 and BRCA2
• Family History
•  Ethnicity- white women slightly more likely to develop breast cancer
• Early onset of menstruation (before age 12) 

Detection and regular screenings are key in catching breast cancer in the early stages and helps determine which route of treatment would be best for your situation. Always talk with your healthcare provider 

​Self Breast Exams:
Being familiar with your breasts is important. Not just how they look, but also how they feel, taking notice of any new lumps, sore or tender areas, and pain.
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What Are the Symptoms?
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​The most common symptoms of breast cancer in men are --

• A lump or swelling in the breast.
• Redness or flaky skin in the breast.
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
• Nipple discharge.
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.

These symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not cancer. If you have any symptoms or changes, see your doctor right away.

Mammograms:

​Is an x-ray image of the breast. Typically starting at age 40, the decision to begin getting regular exams occurs. Age 50 to 75 years old, recommended to get them every 2 years.  Above age 75, evidence does not benefit in regular exams. 
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States (some kinds of skin cancer are the most common). Black women die from breast cancer at a higher rate than White women.

Breast Cancer in Men
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Although it is rare, men can get breast cancer. Learn about symptoms of breast cancer in men and things that may increase your risk.
Breast cancer is most often found in women, but men can get breast cancer too. About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man.
The most common kinds of breast cancer in men are the same kinds in women--

• Invasive ductal carcinoma. The cancer cells begin in the ducts and then grow outside the ducts into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive cancer cells can also spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.
• Invasive lobular carcinoma. Cancer cells begin in the lobules and then spread from the lobules to the breast tissues that are close by. These invasive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body.
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a breast disease that may lead to invasive breast cancer. The cancer cells are only in the lining of the ducts, and have not spread to other tissues in the breast.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Several factors can increase a man’s chance of getting breast cancer. Having risk factors does not mean you will get breast cancer.

• Getting older. The risk for breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancers are found after age 50.
• Genetic mutations. Inherited changes (mutations) in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase breast cancer risk.
• Family history of breast cancer. A man’s risk for breast cancer is higher if a close family member has had breast cancer.
• Radiation therapy treatment. Men who had radiation therapy to the chest have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
• Hormone therapy treatment. Drugs containing estrogen (a hormone that helps develop and maintain female sex characteristics), which were used to treat prostate cancer in the past, increase men’s breast cancer risk.
• Klinefelter syndrome. Klinefelter syndromeexternal icon is a rare genetic condition in which a male has an extra X chromosome. This can lead to the body making higher levels of estrogen and lower levels of androgens (hormones that help develop and maintain male sex characteristics).
• Certain conditions that affect the testicles. Injury to, swelling in, or surgery to remove the testicles can increase breast cancer risk.
• Liver disease. Cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver can lower androgen levels and raise estrogen levels in men, increasing the risk of breast cancer.
• Overweight and obesity. Older men who are overweight or have obesity have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than men at a normal weight.