About Breast Cancer

One of the most common forms of cancer among women is breast cancer, which kills nearly 40,000 American women each year. Although one in eight women will contract breast cancer at some time in their lives, many cases can be completely cured or controlled if treated in the early stages.

What is The First Sign of Breast Cancer?

The first sign of breast cancer is usually a lump in the breast, sometimes accompanied by other changes in the appearance of the breast such as:

• Dimples or puckering of the skin
• Scales
• Redness
• A discharge from the nipple

If a lump is diagnosed as cancer at this early stage, it can be removed and the area treated so the cancer doesn't spread. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

Many women are afraid of breast cancer because they fear losing a breast. This is a natural worry, but it can lead to dangerous delays in seeking treatment. It may help to keep in mind the following facts about breast cancer:

• Three out of four breast lumps are not cancerous
• Small lumps can be easily removed
• Improvements in surgical technique help women retain a more natural appearance after breast surgery

What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

risk factors include:

• Being a woman
• Over age 40
• Personal or family history
• Have never had children
• Had first child after age 30
• Began menstrual cycle at an early age or stopped at a late stage