Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.
Getting mammograms regularly can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that if you are 50 to 74 years old, be sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are 40 to 49 years old, talk to your doctor about when to start and how often to get a screening mammogram or contact your County Health Department in North Georgia.
What Are the Symptoms?
There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include—
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).
- A new lump in the breast or underarm.
If you have any signs that worry you, see your doctor right away.
How Can I Lower My Risk?
Some main factors that influence your risk for breast cancer include—
- Being a woman.
- Being older (most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older).
- Having changes in your breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2).
Most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors and no history of the disease in their families. There are things you can do to can help lower your breast cancer risk.
Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about which breast cancer screening tests are right for you, and when you should have them.
Fast Facts About Breast Cancer
- Each year in the United States, more than 240,000 women get breast cancer and more than 40,000 women die from the disease. See detailed statistics.
- Men also get breast cancer, but it is not very common. Less than 1% of breast cancers occur in men.
- Most breast cancers are found in women who are 50 years old or older, but breast cancer also affects younger women. About 10% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age.
Get more information about breast cancer awareness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by clicking here.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month ends, here's a very personal story of survival from our own Hollye Petty, RN BSN, of Fannin County Health Department: "My story is an example of why early detection is so important. In late July, I noticed an unusual lump on my right breast. I went for a mammogram and ultrasound that determined it was nothing of concern; however, there was something on the left that was so tiny it could not be felt in a self exam. It was cancer. So, surgery and radiation followed. Thanks to early detection, the cancer was caught before any spread to my lymph nodes or other areas.I cannot stress enough the importance of regular mammograms - It really does save lives! My heart and prayers go out to all who fight this disease - we are strong - we are warriors and we will fight like a girl!"