Breast Cancer Facts

Once every two minutes, someone receives a diagnosis for breast cancer. Only in the United States, over 211,000 new diagnosis for breast cancer are expected this year.

One in every eight women who live until the age of 85 will develop breast cancer at some point in her life. Breast cancer is the most important cause of death for women aged between 40 and 55. 

Breast cancer awareness is important for men as well. This year, about 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 are expected to die.

While most breast lumps are not cancerous, an early detection will maximize the chances for a successful treatment. 75 percent of all breast cancers are detected by self examination. However, not all lumps can be felt by touch.

Mammograms are a highly effective medical exams in discovering breast cancer. Mammography consists of a low-dose X-ray exam that can discover cancer tumors weigh before they are large enough to be felt.

When breast cancer is detected early, it is highly treatable. The survival rate in early detection is around 95 percent. Due to the development of treatment options, over 2 million patients diagnosed with breast cancer are today alive in America.

What Is Breast Cancer Awareness?

Breast cancer awareness means being familiar with the way your breasts should look and feel and the changes they are supposed to go through during your lifetime.

You should be able to detect any abnormal changes in your breasts immediately. This involves checking your breasts on a regular basis.

Breast cancer awareness 5 points:

1. Know what normal breasts look and feel like.
2. Know what changes you should look for.
3. Self-examining your breasts regularly.
4. Report any unusual changes to your doctor.
5. Have routine breast screening regularly, especially if you are older than 50.

Signs to Look For:

• breast size - if one breast turns lower or larger 
• rashes – on the nipple or in the surrounding area 
• skin changes – dimpling or puckering 
• nipples - if a nipple becomes pulled in or modifies its shape or position 
• discharge - from only one or from both nipples 
• swelling – under your arm or around the clavicle 
• lump or thickening – an area that feels different from the surrounding tissue 
• pain – continuous pain in one part of your breast or under your arm

What to do?

Breast cancer awareness also includes reporting any changes you notice in your breasts to your doctor. He may ask you to come back another time during you menstrual cycle or guide you further to a breast exam clinic.

You should remember that most changes in your breasts are not cancer, even if they require further investigation or treatment.

In a world where breast cancer affects more and more women and men worldwide, breast cancer awareness is very important. Some general knowledge about breast structure, as well as monthly self examination and regular breast screening are the first steps in fighting against this disease.