When
is the best time of the month for breast self-examination?
The best time for self-examination is 10 days after the onset of
your menstrual cycle.
What are some of the physical signs of possible breast cancer?
Palpation of a lump in your breast
Asymmetric appearance of the breast
Thickening, dimpling or retraction of the skin
Nipple retraction or inversion
Bloody or clear yellow discharge from the breast
What are the recommended guidelines for mammograms?
Women with increased risk factors should have a baseline mammogram
at age 35. After age 40, these women should have an annual mammogram.
Women
without increased risk factors should have a baseline mammogram
by age 39 and then have a mammogram every year.
What are some factors that can increase the risk of developing
breast cancer?
Family
history of developing breast cancer
A
previous breast cancer in the same or opposite breast
History
of abnormal breast cells on previous biopsy
Starting
menstruation early (before 12)
Late
menopause (after 51)
No
children or later life pregnancy (first child after 35)
Obesity
(apple shaped women)
High
fat diet
Alcohol
consumption (2 or more drinks per day)
Artificial
hormones (therapeutic)
What steps can be taken to reduce the risk of breast cancer?
