Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast grow out of control and take over healthy cells.

About 1 in 8 American women will develop breast cancer at some time during her life. Each year, more than 180,000 women in the United States get breast cancer. Currently there are over two million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

• As women get older, their risk of breast cancer rises.
• A small number of men also get breast cancer.

Women who:

• Are older, two-thirds of women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer are 55 or older.
• Have close female relatives with breast cancer (for example, a mother, sister, or aunt)
• Test positive for inherited genetic mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
• Started having periods (menses) at an early age (younger than age 12).
• Had late menopause (after age 55).
• Never had children or who had their first child after age 30.
• Eat a high fat diet.

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.
• It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States.
• The best protection against breast cancer is to find it early.
• Many breast cancers are easy to treat if found early.

Breast cancer screening tests can find cancer early when lumps may be smaller and easier to treat.
There are 4 kinds of screening tests to find breast cancer:

1. Breast Physical Exam
2. Breast Self Exam
3. Mammogram
4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

• Check your breasts every month.
• Get regular breast cancer screenings.
• Eat a healthy diet that is low in fat.

1. Stand in front of a mirror or in the shower, or lie down on a bed.
2. Lift your right arm over your head.
3. Put your left hand flat on your right breast.
4. Press firmly and make small circles with your fingers to feel for any lumps.
5. Repeat this small, circular movement following around your entire breast to make sure that you do not miss any areas, as in the picture below.
6. When you finish with the right breast, raise your left arm over your head and check the left breast the same way.

• Breast lumps
• Changes in color, shape or size of breast or nipples
• Liquid coming out of nipple (if not pregnant or nursing)

Tell your doctor about any lumps, knots, or changes, even if they are not painful.

If you are pregnant, have your doctor examine your breasts, because they will feel different.

It is very important to do monthly breast exams so you get to know your own breasts. This will make it easier for you to feel any changes.

• Many breast cancers are found when women feel a lump by themselves.
• If you find breast cancer early, when it is very small, there is a better chance for cure.

Many women with breast cancer still have their breasts. If you find the cancer early, when it is very small, you may be able to have surgery that only removes the cancer, but not your breast. You will be able to discuss all your options with your doctor.