Breast Health: What You Should Know
Early Detection and Screening Guidelines
- Monthly breast self-exam age 20 and older
a) pre-menopausal: 5-7 days after onset of menses
b) post-menopausal: same date each month
- 20 - 40 years: breast exam by a doctor or nurse every three years or more often with added risk factors or breast problems. If you are uncertain about your level of risk, ask your healthcare practitioner.
- 40 years and over: baseline mammogram age 40 and every year after along with yearly breast exam by a health care provider.
Mammography can miss breast lumps that are felt during an exam. Women do breast self-exams along with seeing their doctor or nurse.
Risk Factors
- age - risk increases with age
- female gender
- family history of breast cancer in first degree relative (mother, daughter, sister)
- previous history of breast cancer
- previous abnormal breast biopsy
- use of hormone replacement therapy
- early start of menstrual period (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55)
- obesity, high fat diet and increased alcohol intake.
Most women with breast cancer (70-80%) have no major risk factors other than gender and age.
Signs and Symptoms of Malignant (Cancerous) Lumps
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Single lump that is very different from rest of breast tissue. Lump tends to be:
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Other Breast Symptoms to Have Checked
- breast changes such as skin puckering, skin dimpling or sudden enlargement of one breast only
- changes in breast skin color or texture, a breast sore that does not heal or any irritation, redness or scaliness of breast skin
- nipple changes such as bloody or watery discharge from one breast only, retraction of a nipple (nipple pulls inward) or nipple redness or scaliness
- enlarged lymph node under your arm
Steps You Can Take to Help Maintain Breast Health
Follow early detection and screening guidelines.
Maintain ideal body weight. Decrease fat intake and total calories. Follow a regular exercise program 3 - 4x/week.
Eat a well balanced diet that includes increased fiber, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Decrease intake of caffeine and chocolate. These products can sometimes make lumpy, painful breast tissue worse.
See your doctor or nurse if you notice breast changes that concern you.
Limit alcohol intake to no more than 3 drinks per week.
Don't smoke! If you smoke, get help to quit. If you can, limit your exposure to second-hand smoke.
Women's Health (608) 265-7600
Breast Center (608) 266-6400
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 09/25/2008
Copyright © 08/20/2008 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4630
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