Breast Cancer symptoms & prevention
October 2007
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of
cancer death in American women. The good news is
that women whose breast cancer is found early often
go on to live long, healthy lives. Over 2 million breast
cancer survivors are alive in America today.
The exact cause of breast cancer is not known. Factors
that can increase a woman’s risk include heredity, early
puberty, late childbearing, obesity and lifestyle factors
such as heavy alcohol consumption and smoking. But
the biggest risk factor for breast cancer is age -- just
growing older. Most breast cancers occur in women over
the age of 50, and women over 60 are at the highest risk.
Breast cancer symptoms vary widely -- from lumps to
swelling to skin changes -- and many breast cancers
have no obvious symptoms at all. BreastCancer.org,
whose mission is to provide information and community
to those touched by this disease, recommends
that monthly breast self-exams be part of your regular health care routine, and you should visit your doctor if
you experience breast changes. If you’re over 40 or at a
high risk for the disease, you should also have an annual
mammogram and physical exam by a doctor.
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