Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in U.S. women, next to skin cancer. About one in every seven or eight women gets it in her lifetime. It often forms in the tubes that carry milk to the nipple (ducts) and in glands that make milk (lobules). It happens in both men and women, but breast cancer in men is not common.

Breast cancer can happen in both men and women, but it is found less often in men because their breast cells are less developed.

There are many different risk factors for breast cancer:

• Age: It has most often been found in women over age 60 and men between age 60 and 70.
• Family history: Those with family members who have had breast, ovarian or colon cancer.
• Radiation exposure: People who have been treated with radiation to the chest for diseases, like lymphoma.
• Alcohol and/or Liver Disease: Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, and/or heavy alcohol drinking, which can affect the liver.
• Being overweight: Having more body fat can raise estrogen levels.
• Exercise: Women who are not physically active can become overweight or obese.
• Race: Caucasian women have breast cancer slightly more often than Latina, Asian or African American women.
• Menstrual cycles:  Women who had their first period before age 12 and women who went through menopause after age 55.
• Having or not having children: Pregnant and nursing women have less menstrual cycles. So, they have less exposure to hormones produced by their ovaries. Exposure to these hormones, which stimulate cell growth, have been linked to an increase in breast cancer risk. 

Testing for Breast Cancer

Early detection and care are the best ways to lower the number of deaths caused by breast cancer. There are many types of exams and tests to find this cancer.

Clinical breast exam (CBE): This is part of your yearly physical exam. Your doctor will look at your breasts for shape or size changes and feel for lumps. A CBE should be done at least every three years for women 20 to 40 years old. After 40, women should have a CBE every year.

Mammogram: This is an X-ray that takes a picture of the inside of the breast. This test may show signs of breast cancer before it can be felt on an exam. It can also show if something found during an exam is likely to be cancer or not. Women over 40 should get this test every other year. But, some doctors may order one each year.

If something unusual shows up in a CBE or mammogram, your doctor might do more tests.