Breast cancer

• Age - About 70-75% of breast cancer is diagnosed in women over 50.
• Family History - Most women who get breast cancer do not have a family history of breast cancer. However, having a close relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer before the age of 50 means you have a higher risk for breast cancer.  
• Personal History of Breast Cancer - A woman who has had breast cancer is more likely to develop another breast cancer.

Even though fewer black women get the disease than white women, twice as many die from it. One of the primary reasons for this is simply that breast cancer is being detected in its later and less treatable stages among black women.

• For all ages combined, breast cancer incidence rates for African American women are lower than those for white women; however, among women younger than 40 years of age, African American women are about as likely to develop breast cancer as whites .
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in African American women.

• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in African American women (second only to lung cancer).
• African American women are twice as likely to die from breast cancer as white women.
• Death rates for breast cancer in African American women increased 36% between 1960-62 and 1990-92, and are continuing to increase despite a noticeable decrease in corresponding rates for white women.

• Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain. You should see a doctor if you notice any of these changes:
• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
• A change in the size or shape of the breast Discharge from the nipple area
• A change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple (dimpled, puckered, or scaly)

Breast Self Examination: Women age 20 and above should check their breasts for lumps every month . Ask a HERC representative about brochures and training which demonstrate the correct way to perform a breast self exam.

Clinical Breast Exam: Women should have their breasts examined for lumps by a doctor at least every 3 years from age 20 through 39 , and every year after age 40.

Mammogram: It has been proven that more lives will be saved if women in their 40s get mammograms every year . Mammography is the best way to find cancers early, when they are most treatable.

• These guidelines are recommendations.
• You may need to have more frequent screening beginning at an earlier age , depending on your medical situation.
• Remember, early detection is the best detection .
• When caught early, breast cancer is highly treatable. A breast cancer diagnosis does not have to be a death sentence.