Breast cancer will affect one in eight women in their lifetime, and there's a one in six chance that it will be invasive breast cancer.
“Breast cancer unfortunately is rather common in women, not so common in men, although it does happen,” says Dr. Beth Donaldson, a physician and HealthChoicesFirst.com partner.
Breast cancer begins in the cells of the breasts. The growth and spread of abnormal cells usually starts in the milk sacs or ducts. Learn more about finding a breast lump.
Women experience breast cancer symptoms differently. The most common breast cancer symptom is a lump found in the breast or armpit. Other symptoms include nipple pain, nipple discharge, pitted skin on the nipple, or an inverted or retracted nipple. Changes in breast size or shape are also a symptom, however, it's normal for a woman’s breasts to feel different throughout her menstrual cycle and to become lumpy just before her period.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Breast Cancer
There are certain changes women can make to prevent breast cancer. These include:
*Improving your diet
*Improving your exercise routine
*Limiting your alcohol to seven to nine drinks per week
*Limiting your weight to a reasonable level
“There are a number of things that women are doing and not even realizing they are preventing breast cancer,” says Dr. Donaldson. “One would be having a late onset of their menstrual cycle, or going into menopause early. Another would be having a number of children early in life, and breastfeeding those children.”
Also recommended: regular breast self exams once a month.
“Women should be seeing their physician yearly for a breast exam, and as of age 40 they should be going for yearly mammograms,” says Dr. Donaldson. “Some women think they only need to go every two years, but they should actually go for yearly mammograms in order to catch breast cancer in its earlier stages.”