Courtesy of the American Cancer Society

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

The following are factors that seem to increase the risk of breast cancer:
— Alcohol. Drinking more than two drinks a day.

— Postmenopausal obesity. Though a high-fat diet isn’t considered a risk factor, obesity has been associated with a higher risk.

— Family history of breast cancer. If your mother, sister or daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly at a young age, your risk of breast cancer is increased. Still, the majority of people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

— Radiation exposure. If you received radiation treatments to your chest as a child or young adult, your risk of breast cancer is increased.

Warning Signs of Breast Cancer

Courtesy the Susan G. Komen website

The warning signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women. The most common symptoms are a change in the look or feel of the breast, a change in the look or feel of the nipple and nipple discharge. If you have any of the symptoms described below, call Women’s Medical Center.

If you: 
* Find a new lump or any change that feels different from the rest of your breast. 
* Find a new lump or any change that feels different from your other breast. 
* Feel something that is different from what you felt before.

Liquid leaking from your nipple (nipple discharge) can be troubling, but it is rarely a sign of cancer. Discharge can be your body’s natural reaction when the nipple is squeezed.

Signs of a more serious condition, such as breast cancer, include discharge that: 
* Occurs without squeezing the nipple 
* Occurs in only one breast 
* Is bloody or clear (not milky)

Nipple discharge can also be caused by an infection or other condition that needs medical treatment. For these reasons, if you have any nipple discharge, call Women’s Medical Center.

Breast Cancer Awareness Self Exams

Being aware of changes is the most important way you can help detect breast cancer. Often you can notice changes by knowing how your breasts normally look and feel, as well as feeling your breasts for changes. Additionally, you can choose to use a step-by-step approach self-exam, using a specific schedule to examine your breasts.

Click here for a self-exam guide from the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

If you notice a change, or would like to talk to a practitioner about breast health, call Women’s Medical Center at 575.762.8055