11 / 16
citizensmemorial.com
11
When it comes to breast cancer,
you can’t be too curious. As a woman, the more you know about breast
cancer—and especially how to detect it—the more you might be able to protect yourself from this all-too-
common disease. With this in mind, here are potentially lifesaving answers to three key questions about this
cancer:
1
Q}
What are the warning signs of
breast cancer?
A}
The most common symptom is a new
lump in your breast. Often, cancerous lumps feel
different from noncancerous ones. Lumps that are
painless, hard, oddly shaped and feel as though
they are firmly attached within the breast are more
likely to be cancerous. But breast cancers can also
be tender, soft, smooth, round and moveable. They
might even be painful.
So don’t take chances. Alert your doctor if you
notice any new lump or mass. Also tell him or her
if you have any other possible signs or symptoms of
breast cancer.
Keep in mind, too, that breast cancer sometimes
spreads to lymph nodes under the arm or around
the collarbone—even before the original tumor in
a breast is large enough to be felt. This means you
should also tell your doctor about any lumps or
swelling in these areas.
2
Q}
How often should I
have a mammogram?
A}
Most women should have a
mammogram, or breast X-ray, every year
starting at age 45. At age 55, talk to your doctor
about switching to every other year. Regular
mammograms are a must, because they can find
tumors that are still so tiny that they can’t be felt
by a doctor. And detecting breast cancer at an
early stage increases the chances that it can be
treated successfully.
However, if you have an above-average risk for
breast cancer—for instance, if you have a family
history of the disease—you may need to start
getting mammograms earlier. Talk to your doctor
about a screening schedule that is best for you.
3
Q}
Do I need to have an MRI too?
A}
Probably not. While a magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) scan is more
sensitive than a mammogram at detecting breast
cancers, it is also more likely to cause false alarms—
or results that indicate cancer is present when
it isn’t. This can cause unnecessary follow-up
testing, including biopsies. As a result, MRI is
reserved strictly for women with a heightened
risk of breast cancer. Ask your doctor if this test is
appropriate for you.
Sources: American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute
To schedule a
mammogram,
give us a call at
417-328-6261
.
about breast cancer
questions and answers
key
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER
»
»
Swelling of all or part of a
breast, even if you can’t feel
a distinct lump.
»
»
Dimpling or puckering in the
breast skin.
»
»
Redness, scaliness or
thickening of a nipple or
breast skin.
»
»
A nipple turned inward.
»
»
Breast or nipple pain.
»
»
Nipple discharge other than
breast milk, such as blood.