What Every Woman Should Know About Breast Cancer
Every woman should understand the risks of breast cancer. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in women around the world. According to cancer.org, the average risk for women to get breast cancer is around 13%. Recent data also shows that there will be around 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women this year. 1 in 7 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime, even without a family history.
Understanding the risk factors associated with breast cancer is essential for early detection and prevention. Here are some of the most common risk factors to be aware of.
Many other factors can increase your risk of breast cancer. Women who start their menstrual cycle at an early age (before 12 years) have a slightly higher risk, as are those with denser breast tissue. Women who go through menopause after 55 years of age have a higher risk of breast cancer as well. Smoking, alcohol use, and being overweight or obese also increase your risk.
If you are concerned about your specific risks of getting cancer, speak with a healthcare professional. They can help assess your risks and create a personalized screening plan.
Breast cancer is not a simple disease. There are several types, each with different characteristics, outcomes, and treatment options. Here are a few of the most common types that you should be aware of.
Understanding the type of breast cancer is crucial for determining the right treatment plan. If you or someone you know is diagnosed, be sure to discuss with the medical team about the specific type and what it means for treatment options.
Women must be informed about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. This is because early detection can lead to a higher chance of successful treatment. These are some of the most common symptoms:
If you notice any of these symptoms or changes in your breasts, consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Regular self-examinations and mammograms are important tools for early detection. If you have any questions about how to perform self-breast exams or about the frequency of screenings, please consult with a healthcare provider.
Early detection is crucial when it comes to breast cancer. When caught early, the chances of successful treatment increase, and you will have more options. The most common way to detect breast cancer early is through regular mammograms. A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray image of the breast tissue. It can be used to check for any abnormalities, even before they can be felt by hand.
Screening mammograms are recommended for women who have an average risk of breast cancer, starting at age 40. However, it is important to note that this recommendation may vary depending on your personal risk factors.
The best way to detect breast cancer early is with a yearly clinical breast exam performed by your provider AND a yearly screening mammogram. Yearly breast exams should start by age 24.
For patients with a strong family history, a risk factor assessment can be done to determine if more needs to be done to prevent or detect breast cancer such as yearly MRI and/or medical treatment.
While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, certain healthy lifestyle habits can lower your risk. These include the following.
Breast cancer is a serious disease that affects millions of women every year. Understanding the associated risks can help you take proactive steps to prevent and detect cancer early on. At Women’s Healthcare Associates, we understand that breast cancer is a scary topic to discuss. We treat every patient with respect, dignity, and empathy so you won’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable. If you have concerns about breast cancer, reach out to us at (806) 355-6330 to schedule an appointment with a member of our caring team.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter:
General
Recent Posts
Do Antibiotics ACTUALLY Stop Birth Control From Working?
Learn MoreWhy Pregnant Women Should Get The Flu Shot
Learn MoreYour Ultimate Pregnancy FAQs Answered: Part 2
Learn MoreBusiness Hours
location
Women’s Healthcare Associates
1301 S Coulter St # 300
Amarillo, TX 79106
Phone: (806) 355-6330
© Women'Healthcare Associates 2017 - All rights reserved
Website design and marketing by Andrews & Associates
Andrews & Associates Women's Healthcare Associates ©2025 All Rights Reserved.