Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among U.S. women.
it is the 2^nd leading cause of death from cancer.
A woman’s lifetime risk is 12.5% or 1/8.

Age-specific probabilities

lIn 2006 the estimated number of new cases and deaths from breast cancer (women only) in U.S. is:

- New cases: 212,920

- Deaths: 40,970

- Screening Guidelines

- lMammogram

- Ages 40-49: every 1-2 year

- Ages 50 and over: every year

Warning Signs

Report any changes to your health care provider

- Development of a lump or swelling

- Skin irritation or dimpling

- Nipple pain or retraction

- Redness of the nipple or skin

- Nipple discharge

Risk Factors

Advancing age
Personal history of breast cancer
Inherited genetic mutations
2 or more first-degree relatives with breast cancer
Early menses and late menopause
Late age at 1^st pregnancy
Never breastfed
Dense breasts on mammogram
Jewish heritage

Staging of Breast Cancer

Stage O: pre-cancer
Stage I: tumor <2cm
Stage II: spread to lymph node in axilla that’s movable or tumor > 5cm
Stage III: spread to other lymph nodes
Stage IV: distant tumor spread

Health News Terms

The news material on this web page is provided for educational purposes only, and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The news material presented here does not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. Fridel.