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Breast Cancer Awareness: What Are The Signs? Are YOU at Risk?

Thursday, October 2nd, 2014

One in eight women and one in 1,000 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes. The five-year survival rate is 98% if it is detected early. Annual mammography, monthly self-exams, and routine clinical exams can help.

What puts you at greater risk?

• Age—risk increases with age
• Heredity or personal or family history
• Dense breasts
• Early menstruation or late menopause
• First full-term pregnancy after age 30
• Never having been pregnant
• Obesity after menopause
• Alcohol use

What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer? The American Cancer Society lists the following:

• Lump or mass, often hard and painless and of irregular shape (frequently detected on mammography before seen or felt)
• Breast or nipple pain (although lumps are usually painless)
• Swelling in part of all of breast, under arm, or in lymph nodes around the collar bone
• Red, scaly, or thick skin irritation or dimpling (like skin of orange)
• Nipple flattened or turning inward or nipple discharge

If you are concerned about any of the above symptoms, don’t delay. Schedule a check-up with your physician today. Chances are you do not have cancer, but better safe than sorry.

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Abington Surgical Center surgeons perform surgical breast biopsies. If required, “wire” or “needle” localizations may be performed immediately prior to biopsies next door at the Abington Hospital Outpatient Center for your convenience. Please consult your physician to learn more about localization procedures and surgical biopsy. Need a referral to a surgeon? Please call our Referral Coordinator: 267-960-1440. Information provided is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor.

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