Did you know that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, other than skin cancer? In addition, it is a leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer.

The good news is that the death rate from breast cancer has been reduced significantly, especially among younger women. This decline is due to better detection and improved treatment, as well as to increased awareness and education.

Still, this is no reason to let your guard down against the disease. The National Alliance for Breast Cancer Organizations estimates that during 2003, 267,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, one out of every eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. All women are at risk, regardless of age.

What is breast cancer?

There are several types of breast tumors. Most are non-cancerous and are often caused by fibrocystic changes or the forming of connective or scar tissue with fluid-filled sacs. While these tumors are considered to be abnormal growths, they do not spread outside the breast and are not life threatening.

Breast cancer, on the other hand, involves malignant or cancerous tumors that can spread to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, symptoms are very similar to those experienced with non-cancerous tumors. This can cause a false sense of security—especially in younger women.

Symptoms

The most common symptom and the easiest to detect is a lump or mass in the breast or armpit. The lump is usually painless, firm to hard, with uneven borders. A change in the size or shape of the breast is another symptom. These changes can cause breast swelling, pain and a lumpy texture.

There are other lesser-known symptoms, as well. A nipple discharge that is clear-to-yellow or bloody in nature is a definite warning sign. A change in the color or feel of the skin on the breast, nipple or areola, such as dimpling, puckering or scaliness is symptomatic of breast cancer. A retraction or orange peel appearance, redness, veins rising to the breast surface, or skin ulceration are also symptoms, as is a change in the appearance or sensation of the nipple, such as retraction, enlargement or itching.

Other symptoms of breast cancer include breast discomfort or enlargement on one side only, bone pain, weight loss, arm swelling, breast pain and, for males, breast development.

Early Detection

“The key to finding breast cancer is early detection,” says North Oaks Medical Center Mammography Supervisor Suzanne Smith, BS, RTM. "Screening mammography can detect breast cancer in women as early as two years before it can be felt.

“There are actually three steps to early detection: self-examination, mammography and clinical examination,” Smith continues. “Although it is extremely important for women to readily notice changes in their breasts, oftentimes the lump may be an inch in size before it can be felt. A screening mammogram can detect cancer in its early stages, long before it can be felt. Thus, all three examinations are necessary to ensure the earliest possible detection.”

The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances become for successful treatment. In some instances, early detection can prevent chemotherapy treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines for early detection:

• A mammogram and a clinical breast exam by an OB/GYN physician every year for women over the age of 40.
• A clinical breast exam every three years for women between the ages of 20 and 39.
• Monthly self-examinations for all women over the age of 20.

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.