A Closer Look: Breast Cancer Awareness

A CLOSER LOOK OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer for women worldwide. It is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S. after skin cancer and accounts for more than 1 in 4 cancers. Doctors recommend that women have clinical breast exams every three years after age 20 and yearly exams starting at 40. The American Cancer Society urges women older than 40 to schedule yearly mammograms, and many doctors also recommend performing self-examinations monthly in order to detect any changes. IN THE U.S. IN INDIANA CASES PER CAPITA BY STATE FIVE-YEAR SURVIVAL RATE ESTIMATED CASES Cases of breast cancer per 100,000 by state, 2002-06 Early stage » There will be about 4,350 new cases of breast cancer in Indiana for 2010. 131 or more 126 to 130 121 to 125 116 to 120 115 or less No data 98% Spread to regional lymph nodes » There will be an estimated 860 deaths 84% due to breast cancer in Indiana for 2010. Indiana: Spread to distant organs » There will be an estimated 115 cases per 100,000 in Indiana for 2010. 115 28% NEW CANCER CASES* NEW CANCER CASES* Lung 16% Other Breast cancers Other D.C. 28%- Breast -48% cancers 13% -60% Lung 14% Colon Colon 10%- 10% * Estimated 2010 cases in women * Estimated Indiana 2010 cases WORLDWIDE Cases of breast cancer per 100,000 by continent and country, 2008 Europe Estimated number of women who will TODAY, 1 IN 8 66.6 develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Cases per 100,000 IN 1960, IT WAS 1 IN 14 76.2 or more 30 to 76.1 North America Asia 16.6 to 29.9 76.7 26.0 16.5 or less South America 44.3 » In 2010, there will be an estimated » There are more than 2.5 million O No data Africa Australia 207,090 new cases of breast cancer in women. survivors in the United States. 28.0 84.8 Note: An estimated 1,970 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. SELF-EXAMINATION WHAT TO LOOK FOR: SELF-EXAM BY FEELING » Lump, hard knot or thickening. I » Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple. » While lying on your back, place a pillow under your shoulder and your arm out with elbow at a 90-degree angle. A breast self-examination is simple, takes only a few minutes and should be done regularly. Many doctors say it should be done monthly. The goal is to become aware and familiar with your breasts, so that you may notice any changes. » Swelling, warmth, redness or darken- ing. » Use the pads of your first three fingers for the exam. » Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast. » Change in size or shape of the breast. » Nipple discharge that starts suddenly. SELF-EXAM BY LOOKING » Without lifting your fingers, move in a circle three times, changing the amount of pressure from light to medium and firm before moving to the next area. » Standing in front of a mirror, arms relaxed, compare the shape and size of your breasts. Look at the nipples, note direction and how alike they are. Look at skin texture and color. » Dimpling or puckering of the skin. » New pain in one spot that doesn't go away. IF YOU FINDA LUMP: Please note that about 80% of lumps » Repeat process with arms raised, hands on hips flexing the chest muscles and while bending forward, arms to the side. » Follow an up-and-down pattern, feeling for changes in your breast. Also, check above and below the collarbone and in the armpit. found are not cancerous. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Sources: American Cancer Society; www.breastcancer.org; World Health Organization; American Cancer Society of Indiana; www.networkofstrength.org; Susan Komen for the Cure Foundation MICHAEL CAMPBELL / The Star