BREAST CANCER

We can fight it…

WHAT IS CANCER?

Abnormal, uncontrollable, continuous replication of cells

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?

Malignant tumor developed from cells in the breast

Second leading cause of death in women

o Cancer can develop from - Milk producing glands - Ducts or passages that drain milk from

the lobules to the nipple.

o Cancer can then spread to the lymph nodes

o Cancer can spread to the rest of the body from here.

RISK FACTORS

Gender Age Reproductive history Radiation exposure Weight Alcohol intake Family history

SCREENING

BREAST SELF EXAMINATION CLINICAL BREAST EXAMINATION MAMMOGRAM ULTRASOUND

MAMMOGRAM

WOMEN AT AN INCREASED RISK OF DEVELOPING CANCER

• POSITIVE FAMILY HISTORYOne or more blood relatives with breast or ovarian cancer

• GENETIC PREDISPOSITION

• PREVIOUS HISTORY OF RADIATION TO CHEST WALL

WHEN TO BEGIN SCREENING??

WOMEN WITH INCREASED RISK

Annual Clinical breast examination

Annual mammogram from the age of 35 years

Breast awareness

WOMEN WITH NORMAL RISK : After the age of 40

BREAST CANCER MYTHS

1. Only women with a family history of breast cancer are at risk.

2. Most breast lumps are cancerous.

3. Only women can get breast cancer

4. Wearing antiperspirant increases your risk of getting breast cancer.

5. Small-breasted women have less chance of getting breast cancer.

6. Breast cancer always comes in the form of a lump.

BREAST CANCER CAN BE CURED IF

DIAGNOSED EARLY

Spread the message to your near and dear ones…