ten common questions about breast cancer

1. Who is at risk for breast cancer?
All women are at risk. Men do get breast cancer, but it is quite rare.
2. Are some women at a higher risk of developing breast cancer?
Yes. For example, women who have not had children and women with close family members who have had the disease. However, the majority of women diagnosed do not fall into these categories. Eighty percent of all breast cancer occurs in women over 50 years of age.
3. What causes breast cancer, and can it be prevented?
At present the causes are unknown and there is no known way to prevent it.
4. How many women will develop breast cancer?
This year 184,300 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the U.S.
5. How common are breast lumps?
Breast lumps are very common. More than 80% of breast lumps are not cancerous, but biopsy is the only way to know for sure. All lumps should be examined by a health care professional.
6. What should I do if I discover a lump?
See a health care professional immediately for an examination and the recommended next steps.
7. What is the best way to beat breast cancer?
Early detection is the best way. Five years after diagnosis, more than 90% of women who found breast cancer at its earliest stage are alive and well.
8. What is the best early detection program?
-Regular mammograms every one to two years beginning at age 40 and annually after age 50.
-Annual breast exams by a health care professional.
-Breast self-examination once a month, several days after the end of your menstrual period or, after menopause, on the same day every month.
9. Where should I get a mammogram?
A woman should use a facility that is certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To find out if a center is certified or to get the names of certified facilities, call the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER.
10. How can I find out more about breast cancer?
For general information and referrals, call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS) at 1-800-4-CANCER, the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organization (NABCO) at (800) 719-9154, or the Y-ME Hotline at 1-800-221-2141. These calls are completely confidential.