About this topic
Breast cancer is a serious illness. Breast cancer is when abnormal cells grow and divide more quickly in your breast. These cells form a growth or tumor. The abnormal cells may enter nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. It is the type of cancer most often seen in women. Men can have breast cancer, but it is a rare condition. ‚
General
Some things in your life may increase your risk of breast cancer. You may not be able to change some of these. Others you can control. ‚
You are more likely to get breast cancer if you: ‚
- Have a mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast cancer
- Have used hormones for menopause for more than 5 years
- Are overweight or do not exercise much
- Had your first menstrual period before you were 12 years old
- Went through menopause after age 55
- Have never been pregnant or had your first child after age 30
- Have had breast cancer before
- Are white
- Drink alcohol in any form
There is no certain way to prevent breast cancer. There is no test to tell if you will have this illness. There are things you can do to lower your chances of having breast cancer. ‚
- Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight raises your chances of having breast cancer.
- Exercise. Being active helps you keep a healthy weight.
- Limit your alcohol intake or do not drink alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk.
- Do not smoke. Smoking can raise your chances of having breast cancer.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. A healthy diet lowers your chances of many kinds of cancer.
- Breastfeed your baby. This may help protect you. The longer you breastfeed, the more protection you have.
- Talk with your doctor about:
- Limiting or stopping hormone therapy.
- Taking certain drugs to prevent breast cancer. For women at high risk of having breast cancer, there are a few drugs that may lower your risk.
- Surgery to prevent you from having breast cancer if you are very high risk.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Changes in your breasts
- A lump or area in your breast that feels different
- Discharge from your nipple
- Skin on your breast is dimpled or indented
- You have questions or concerns about your breasts
Helpful tips
- Talk to your doctor about the best kind of breast cancer screening for you.
- Do a self breast exam regularly.
- Tell your doctor of any abnormal finding.
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/moreinformation/medicinestoreducebreastcancer/index?sitearea ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/probability-breast-cancer ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/prevention/breast/Patient/page1/AllPages ‚
Susan G. Komen ‚
http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/LowerYourRisk.html#RiskFactors ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚