Breast Cancer

The Facts

Breast cancer iss the abnormal growth and spread of out-of-control breast cells.  These cells can vary in size and shape and may divide quickly to destroy normal tissue.  There are several types of breast cancer such as lobular carcinoma which begins in the lobules where the milk is produced, ductal carcinoma which begins in the lining of the milk ducts, and infiltrating carcinoma which are cells that can spread into the surrounding tissue and then spread to further areas of the body.

Who is at Risk?

Advancing age puts a woman at greater risk of breast cancer.  Other risk factors are family history of breast cancer, such as a first degree relative (mother, daughter, sister), along with long menstrual life or late menopause and obesity.  If a woman has her first pregnancy after the age of 30 or never becomes pregnant, this can also increase her risk of breast cancer.  Although it is rare, men can also get breast cancer.

The Best Defense: Prevention & Detection

There a many ways women may prevent or detect breast cancer such as doing monthly self-breast exams, and having a clinical breast exam no less than every 3 years if you are between the ages of 20-39.  Women who are age 40 and older should be having a clinical breast exam annually.  Having a mammogram is another defense against breast cancer.  Women should have their first mammogram at the age of 35-40, unless your physician requests one sooner.  After the age of 40, women should have a mammogram annually.  Early detection is the key to better survival.  Keeping in good health may also help decrease the risk of breast cancer.  Eating a diet with low animal and saturated fats is a good start, along with regular exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight.  Smoking and alcohol may increase the risk for cancer, therefore if you drink only do so in moderation and if you smoke start a smoking cessation program to help decrease your risk.

 

St. Joseph's Hospital and Health Center
Southwest Healthcare Services
West River Health Services
ND Department of Health
ND Cancer Coalition
North Dakota Cancer Coalition
Go Red ND
American Heart Association
MyPyramid.gov
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
American Institute for Cancer Research
Kids a Cookin'