Patty Harman is the Executive Director for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Greater Nashville. Since, 1997 the Greater Nashville Affiliate has provided more than $4 million in grant monies throughout our community to improve breast health and to save lives by eliminating breast cancer in Middle Tennessee.
What you should know…
Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. Screening tests can find cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you:
1. Know your risk
• Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
• Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer
2. Get screened
• Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk
• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
• Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40
3. Know what is normal for you
See your health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes:
• Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away
4. Make healthy lifestyle choices
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Add exercise into your routine
• Limit alcohol intake
• Limit postmenopausal hormone use
• Breastfeed, if you can
Q: What is breast cancer?
A: Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without the usual controls on cell death and cell division.
Q: What causes breast cancer?
A: It’s a question women want a straight answer to. At the present time, scientists believe that breast cancer is caused by a combination of both known and unknown factors including genetics (such as family history of breast cancer), lifestyle choices (such as diet and alcohol use) and reproductive factors (such as age of menarche and menopause). For more information regarding risk factors, please go to komen.org.
Q: What are fibrocystic changes?
A: Lumpiness plus tenderness or pain at certain times of the month is called fibrocystic breast changes. These changes are a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Women are most likely to notice them in the premenstrual phase of the cycle, or if women are past menopause, when taking hormones. Fibrocystic changes do not increase your chance of getting breast cancer. In contrast, a breast lump that should be checked is one that does not change with your cycle. Any persistent lump or thickening should be checked by your health care provider.
Q:What are the basic breast health steps?
A: Susan G. Komen for the Cure recommends the following screening guidelines:
• Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
• Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer
• Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk
• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
• Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40
• Know how your breasts look and feel and report changes to your health care provider right away
• Make healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce your risk of breast cancer.