Breast Cancer

Jessamine County Breast and Cervical Cancer Coalition

Women's Wellness

Breast Cancer

Early Detection is the Best Protection

Breast Cancer Fast Facts:
The most common cancer in women, no matter your race or ethnicity.

The most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women.

The second most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women.

According to the KY Cancer Registry, from 2000 - 2004, 148 women living in Jessamine County have been diagnosed with breast cancer

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Risk factors that increase risk of breast cancer include

Getting older.
Being younger when you first had your menstrual period.
Starting menopause at a later age.
Being older at the birth of your first child.
Never giving birth
Not breastfeeding.
Personal history of breast cancer or some non-cancerous breast diseases.
Family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter).
Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest.
Being overweight (increases risk for breast cancer after menopause).
Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone combined).
Having changes in the breast cancer-related genes BRCA1 or BRCA2.
Using birth control pills, also called oral contraceptives.
Drinking alcohol (more than one drink a day).
Not getting regular exercise.

Having a risk factor does not mean you will get the disease. Most women have some risk factors and most women do not get breast cancer. If you have breast cancer risk factors, talk with your doctor about ways you can lower your risk and about screening for breast cancer.

For more information on breast cancer risk factors click here.

Symtoms of Breast Cancer

In its early stages, breast cancer usually has no symptoms. As a tumor develops, you may note the following signs:

A lump in the breast or underarm that persists after your menstrual cycle; often the first apparent symptom of breast cancer, breast lumps are painless, although some may cause a prickly sensation. Lumps are usually visible on a mammogram long before they can be seen or felt.
Swelling in the armpit.
Although lumps are usually painless, pain or tenderness in the breast can be a sign of breast cancer.
A noticeable flattening or indentation on the breast, which may indicate a tumor that cannot be seen or felt.
Any change in the size, contour, texture, or temperature of the breast; a reddish, pitted surface like the skin of an orange could be a sign of advanced breast cancer.
A change in the nipple, such as an indrawn or dimpled look, itching or burning sensation, or ulceration; scaling of the nipple is symptomatic of Paget's disease, a localized cancer.
Unusual discharge from the nipple that may be clear, bloody, or another color. It's usually caused by benign conditions but could be due to cancer in some cases.
A marble-like area under the skin.
An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast.

Call Your Doctor If:

One or both breasts develop an abnormal lump or persistent pain, or look or feel abnormal. The cause often is something other than cancer but should be identified.
You have swollen lymph glands in your armpits. Any such swelling could be associated with cancer.

Click here for more information about breast cancer signs and symptoms.

Screenings:

1. Breast Self Exam

Why do I need to do a self breast exam?

Although breast cancer is mainly found in women over age 50, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the United States. As stated in Maternal-Newborn Nursing, "Monthly self breast exams have been shown to be the most effective method for early detection of breast cancer. Approximately 75% of breast lumps are found by women themselves" (Olds, 1996, p. 228). Early detection is associated with a better prognosis. Therefore, it is important for women to start regular self breast exams once they reach age 20, as recommended by the American Cancer Society (ACS). Regular exams allow a women to notice any changes that occur, all of which should be discussed with a health care professional. Also, between the ages of 20 and 39 the ACS recommends a clinical breast examinations by a health professional every 3 years. This is normally included in a yearly visit with a Pap smear.

How can I do a self breast exam?

Self breast exams should be done monthly, about a week after your period ends or if you are on oral contraceptives, the day you start a new pack of pills. For detailed instructions with pictures for guidance, that make it easy to perform a self breast exam please click here.

2. Clinical Breast Exam

A breast examination by a health professional (such as your doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner or physician assistant) is an important part of routine physical checkups.

How Often Should I Have a Clinical Breast Exam?

You should have a clinical exam at least every three years starting at age 20 and every year starting at age 40. A clinical breast exam may be recommended more frequently if you have a strong family history of breast cancer.

When Should I Schedule a Clinical Breast Exam?

Breast exams are best performed soon after your menstrual period ends, because your breasts will not be as tender and swollen as during your period. This makes it easier to detect any unusual changes. If you have stopped menstruating, schedule the yearly exam on a day that's easy for you to remember, such as your birth date.

What Happens During a Breast Physical Exam?

Your healthcare provider will ask you detailed questions about your health history, including your menstrual and pregnancy history. Questions might include what age you started menstruating, if you have children and how old you were when your first child was born. A thorough breast exam will be performed. For the exam, you undress from the waist up. Your healthcare provider will look at your breasts for changes in size or shape. Your provider may ask you to lift your arms over your head, put your hands on your hips or lean forward. He or she will examine your breasts for any skin changes including rashes, dimpling or redness. This is a good time to learn how to do a breast self-exam if you don't already know how. As you lay on your back with your arms behind your head, your healthcare provider will examine your breasts with the pads of the fingers to detect lumps or other changes. The area under both arms will also be examined. Your healthcare provider will gently press around your nipple to check for any discharge. If there is discharge, a sample may be collected for examination under a microscope.

3. Mammograms

Why should I get a Mammogram?

Mammograms save lives. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. It is a quick, easy test that can find breast cancer early, when it is too small to be felt. If breast cancer is found ealrly enough, the chances of surviving are excelent.

How often should I have a mammogram?

If you are age 40 or older, you should have a mammogram once a year for the rest of your life. If you have family history of breast cancer (mother, grandmother, sister, aunt) you should start having mammograms at the age of 35.

I don't have medical insurance can I still get a mammogram?

If you cannot pay for a mammogram or do not have medical insurance, call your local health department to see if you qualify for a low-cost/no-cost mammogram. Women who qualify for a low-cost mammogram in Jessamine County can receive a low-cost/no-cost mammogram at the Jessamine County Health Department. Call 859-885-4149 for an appointment.