October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Below is a listing of various statistics concerning breast cancer from the American Cancer Society and Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Risk Factors

            Women are at a higher risk for breast cancer when they:

·        Are over age 50.

·        Have a history of breast cancer in their close family.

·        Have their first child after age 30.

·        Have never had any children.

·        Weigh 40% more than their ideal body weight.

Warning Signs of Breast Cancer

Warning signals that may be detected by monthly breast self-examinations include the following:

·        A lump in the breast that does not go away.

·        An unusual increase in the size of one breast.

·        One breast unusually lower than the other.

·        Puckering or dimpling of the breast.

·        Drawing back or turning of the nipple.

·        A nipple rash or a change in nipple skin texture.

·        Swelling or thickening found in breast or under armpit.

·        Pain or tenderness of the nipple.

Early Detection Action Plan

                The American Cancer Society and Veterans Memorial Hospital suggest the following action plan for early breast cancer detection at the following ages:

            20 years and Older

·        Perform a monthly breast self-exam.

20 to 40 years of age

·        Perform a monthly breast self-exam.

·        Have a breast exam by a physician every three years.

·        Have a first time mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40.

             Over Age 40

·        Perform a monthly breast self-exam.

·        Have a breast exam by a physician every year.

·        Have a mammogram every year.

For further information on breast cancer detection, please stop by the Veterans Memorial Hospital information desk and pick up a free packet of breast cancer information.