PLEASE THIS IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT TOPIC LETS KEEP THIS AT THE TOP OF THE FORM ALL MONTH, BUMP, BUMP. BUMP.


Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the second leading cause of cancer death (exceeded by lung cancer in 1985). Breast cancer is three times more common than all gynecologic malignancies put together. The incidence of breast cancer has been increasing steadily from an incidence of 1:20 in 1960 to 1:7 women today.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 211,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed this year and 43,300 patients will die from the disease. Breast cancer is truly an epidemic among women.

Breast cancer is not exclusively a disease of women. For every 100 women with breast cancer, 1 male will develop the disease. The American Cancer society estimates that 1,600 men will develop the disease this year.

EARLY SIGNS:
•A lump is detected, which is usually single, firm, and most often painless.
•A portion of the skin on the breast or underarm swells and has an unusual appearance.
•Veins on the skin surface become more prominent on one breast.
•The breast nipple becomes inverted, develops a rash, changes in skin texture, or has a discharge other than breast milk.
•A depression is found in an area of the breast surface.
Women's breasts can develop some degree of lumpiness, but only a small percentage of lumps are malignant.

While a history of breast cancer in the family may lead to increased risk, most breast cancers are diagnosed in women with no family history. If you have a family history of breast cancer, this should be discussed with your doctor.

FACTS:
*Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
•This year more than 211,000 new cases of breast cancer are expected in the United States.
•One woman in eight who lives to age 85 will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
•Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55.
•85% of women with breast cancer have a negative family history.
•1,600 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 400 are predicted to die.
•Seventy percent of all breast cancers are found through breast self-exams. Not all lumps are detectable by touch. We recommend regular mammograms and monthly breast self-exams.
•Eight out of ten breast lumps are not cancerous. If you find a lump, don't panic-call your doctor for an appointment.
•Mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination that can detect breast cancer up to two years before it is large enough to be felt.
•When breast cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is 96%. This is good news! Over 2 million breast cancer survivors are alive in America today.

DETECTION PLAN:
An Early Breast Cancer Detection Plan should include:
•Clinical breast examinations every three years from ages 20-39, then every year thereafter.
•Monthly breast self-examinations beginning at age 20. Look for any changes in your breasts.
•Baseline mammogram by the age of 40.
•Mammogram every year for women 40 and older.
•A personal calendar to record your self-exams, mammograms, and doctor appointments.
•A low-fat diet, regular exercise, and no smoking or drinking.

KNOWLEGE IS POWER!

A Good Idea Stacy........more people should be aware of how important it is to check regularly, and have mamograms if you are offered them.

If in doubt of how to check yourself, go to your GP and get them to show you.

Remember, that a quick check is all you need to do and early detection is key!!


to all that have got friends or relatives fighting!

For all of our loved ones that have fought a brave fight and been lost! xx

Tam, how about moving this to the general chatter and making it a sticky? More people go in there so it would get seen more, what do you think?

just noticed youhave no poweres here, sorry

The Five Steps of a Breast Self Exam


Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.
Here's what you should look for:

•breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color.
•breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling.

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:

•dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin.
•a nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out).
•redness, soreness, rash, or swelling.

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you're at the mirror, gently squeeze each nipple between your finger and thumb and check for nipple discharge (this could be a milky or yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side—from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. Be sure to feel all the breast tissue: just beneath your skin with a soft touch and down deeper with a firmer touch. Begin examining each area with a very soft touch, and then increase pressure so that you can feel the deeper tissue, down to your ribcage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4.