Get 10 facts about breast cancer from an expert doctor in this article from Lifescript.com, a top-notch website for women’s health information.

Here’s a sneak peek at the facts included in the full 9-page article:

#1: Breast cancer is the second-leading cancer in women, after lung cancer. It’s the most common cancer second only to skin cancer.

#2: Detecting breast cancer early on is key because when cancer hasn’t had a chance to spread beyond the breast(s), survival rates over a five-year period are nearly 100 percent. By the age of 40, women should perform self-exams monthly, and have annual mammograms and breast exams performed by a physician.

#3: The top way of detecting whether a patient has breast cancer is mammography. More and more women are getting diagnosed at early stages of breast cancer due to increased mammography use. Twenty-five percent of breast cancers are found in breast exams — 40% by a combination of breast exams and mammography and 35% by mammography alone.

#4: You can check for possible signs yourself. The most common symptoms include: Changes in the breast(s), such as changes in appearance or feel, and changes in the look or feel of the nipple.

#5: Getting a mammogram might not be enough. A doctor might recommend you get an MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, in addition, or other imaging options may be recommended such as stereotactic, positron emission tomography, ultrasound, or scintigraphy and lymphatic mapping.

#6: While risk factors may boost the chance of getting breast cancer, that’s not always the case. Likewise, being free and clear of risk factors doesn’t mean you won’t get breast cancer, either.

#7: The genetic mutations known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase risk. Women who have these genetic mutations tend to have a higher risk for getting breast cancer.

#8: Race and ethnicity plays a role due to inherited risk factors, and/or a gap in the amount of medical care and/or screening rates. The most incidences of breast cancer occur in caucasians whereas Native Americans have the lowest rate of getting the disease.

#9: Following a diet and exercise plan can help. Weight gain after the age of 18 or after menopause boosts your risk. Losing weight can lower your breast cancer risk factors.

#10: What could potentially boost breast cancer risk is hormone replacement therapy, according to the findings of recent research.

For much more on the above facts and more vital cancer information you should know, check out the full article at Lifescript.com.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).

1. About Breast Cancer Health Get 10 facts about breast cancer from an expert doctor in this article from Lifescript.com,...
2. National Business Group On Health Survey On Health Care Is Revealing In It Is Findings Insights as to how workers and their dependents view health care is discovered in a...
3. National Business Group On Health Survey On Health Care Is Revealing In It Is Findings Insights as to how workers and their dependents view health care is discovered in a...