The National Breast Cancer Foundation was founded by Janelle Hail in 1991 to provide women of every age and walk of life reliable information about breast cancer and treatment options, heartfelt emotional support, and valuable service like free mammograms for the underserved. Please visit www.nationalbreastcancer.org for more information.
* Lump is detected, which is usually single,firm and painless
* A portion of the skin on the breast or underarm swells and has an unusual appearance
* Veins on the skin surface become more prominent on one breast.
* The breast nipple becomes inverted, develops a rash,changes texture, or has a discharge other than breast milk.
* A depression is found in an area of the breast milk.
* Women's breasts can develop some degree of lumpiness, but only a small percentage of lumps are malignant.
* While a history of breast cancer in the family may lead in increased risk, most breast cancer are diagnosed in women with no family history of breast cancer, this should be discussed with your doctor.
* Clinical breast examinations every 3 years for ages 20-39, then every year thereafter.
* Monthly breast self-examinations beginning at age 20. Look for any changes in your breast.
* Baseline mammogram by the age of 40
* Mammogram every 1 to 2 years for women 40-49, depending on previous findings.
* Mammogram every year for women 50 and over.
* A personal calendar to record your self-exams, mammograms and doctor appointments.
* A low-fat diet, regular exercise, and no smoking or drinking.
* When breast cancer is found early, the 5-year survival rate is 96%. This is good news! Over 2 million breast cancer survivors are alive in America today.
* One woman in eight who lives to age 85 will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
* 70% of all beast cancers are found through breast self-exams. Self-exams should be preformed monthly
* Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
* Not all lumps are detectable by touch. We recommend regular mammograms- low-dose X-rays that can detect breast cancer up to 2 years before it can be felt.