Breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women after skin cancer and the second cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer.
Risk factors;
Age- 94% of new cases occur in women over 40
Family history- risk increases if mother, sister or close relative have or had breast or ovarian cancer
Personal history-of breast cancer
Race and ethnicity- white women are more likely than Hispanic, African American, Asian, or Native American women to be diagnosed with breast cancer, however African American women are more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to die from it.
Not having children or having your 1st child in your 30’s -40’s increases your risk.
Taking Hormone Replacement Therapy after menopause increases your risk.
Symptoms;
New lump, or lump that changes, change in the size or shape of breast, pain in breast or nipple that does not go away, skin on the breast that is flakey, red or swollen, a nipple that is very tender or that suddenly turns inward, fluid coming from the nipple when not nursing a baby.
How can I lower my chances of breast cancer?
Eat more fruits and vegetables; eat more seafood, chicken, and turkey and less beef, veal, pork, luncheon meats and fried foods.
Get more active at least 10 minutes a day, walk, ride a bicycle, climb stairs, aim for a healthy weight, do not have more than 1 alcoholic beverage a day, do not smoke.
Screening;
Monthly self breast exam
Clinical breast exam by a doctor or nurse
Mammogram annually if over 40
Hartford Hospital has a Mobile Mammogram which travels throughout the greater Hartford area and from January through June provided 677 mammograms.
The Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program offers a free pap smear, breast exam, and a mammogram every year for women over 40 who are eligible.
For more information call Carol Steinke, Public Health Nursing Supervisor with the City of Hartford Health and Human Services Department at 860-757-4846 or email steic001@hartford.gov
