Breast Cancer FactsIn the United States one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. (One in 1,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer.)
Breast cancer forms in the tissue of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk).
Breast cancer can develop at any age, but your risk increases as you grow older.
Although your risk is higher if more than one immediate family member has had breast cancer, more than 70% of all women with breast cancer have NO family history of the disease.
Risk Factors- Dense breast tissue
- First period before age 11
- First child born after age 30, or never having children
- Menopause after age 50
- Family history of breast cancer
- Personal history of breast, uterine, ovarian, or colon cancer
- Overweight
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Being female
Warning Signs- Changes in how the breast or nipple feels: lumps, thickening, or tenderness
- Changes in how the breast or nipple looks: changes in size, shape, color, or texture of breast
- Nipple discharge
Screening and ExamsWomen should perform a monthly self breast exam.
Doctors recommend a clinical breast exam (exam performed by a health-care provider) at least every three years after age 20 and every year after age 40.
Women need a mammogram every 1-2 years starting at age 40, and every year after age 50.
Women with certain risk factors should talk to their health-care provider as more testing may be needed.
What Can You Do to Fight Breast Cancer?Get screened. Early detection saves lives.
Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Visit your doctor regularly. Discuss medications you are taking and talk about screening and family history.
Questions About Breast Cancer?Call Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Cancer Learning Center at 1-888-424-2100
The American College of Radiology (ACR) has named Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Comprehensive Breast Care Center a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. It is the first center in Utah to receive this recognition. The honor is awarded to breast centers that have earned accreditation in all of the ACR's voluntary, breast-imaging accreditation programs and modules, in addition to the mandatory Mammography Accreditation Program.
