Text Box: Not having children, or having a first child after 30.  These factors may increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, since estrogen levels are lower during pregnancy.  Also, not breast feeding may be a risk factor.                                                            Radiation exposure.  Prior radiation to the chest area increases the risk of breast cancer.  Having Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.  These women may have an increased risk due to possible inherited gene mutations (such as in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes).  Other possible risk factors for breast cancer may include: · Being overweight. · Not exercising · Drinking alcohol.  Drinking one or more alcoholic beverages per day can result in a slight increase in risk. Text Box: greater risk for breast cancer.  Breast tissue density is generally higher when the breast has more ducts and lobules versus fat.                                                     Breast hyperplasia.  Hyperplasia  is an increase in the growth of cells in a tissue, such as breast tissue.  Breast hyperplasia can be detected only by taking a sample of the breast tissue and examining it under a microscope.  Breast hyperplasia increases a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer.                                             Long Lifetime exposure to estrogen.  During puberty, estrogen levels dramatically increase.  During menopause, estrogen levels decrease.  The longer the time the breasts are exposed to estrogen, the higher the risk for developing breast cancer.  Therefore, breast cancer risk may be higher in women who started menstruating before 12 years of age or in women who went through menopause after 55 years old.  Risk may also be higher in women who have taken oral contraceptives or          hormone replacement therapy. Text Box: Page 1

Text Box: Look Inside...

Text Box: Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer · Lumps.  Breast cancer lumps vary and may be hard or soft and have rounded or uneven edges. · Swelling of part of the breast. · Skin irritation or dimpling. · Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward. · Nipple discharge other than breast milk. · A lump in the underarm area. Text Box: Allegheny Imaging of McCandless, LLC              9335 McKnight Road          Pittsburgh, PA  15237          (412) 367-SCAN (7226)

Text Box: Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Text Box: There are various risk factors that may contribute to the development of breast cancer.  Some have a stronger link to breast cancer than others.  The following list describes some of the most significant risk factors for breast cancer.  Age.  As a woman gets older, her risk for breast cancer increases.                                 Personal history of breast cancer. Having had breast cancer puts a woman at higher risk for developing it again.                                                   Family history of cancer.  The risk of breast cancer increases if a woman has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who had breast or ovarian cancer.                                    Genetics.  There are inherited genetic mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer.  Alternations in the BRCA1 and BRAC2  genes are found in about 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases.  Women with alterations in these genes have up to an 85% chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime.*                                             High breast tissue density.  The higher the breast tissue density the

Text Box: Mammography (Con’t from pg. 1)

Text Box: A mammogram can detect many cases of breast cancer.  The routine use of screening mammograms has resulted in an increase in the number of breast cancers found before symptoms ever develop. *Other types of breast imaging include: Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, uses magnetic fields instead of x-rays to create a picture.  An MRI produces clearer images of your breast to help detect abnormalities. Ultrasound.  An ultrasound is used to determine if a lump is a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst.  It uses sound waves to create a picture of body tissues and fluids.   Radiologists use ultrasound to help determine if a lump is normal or abnormal. Clinical Breast Exam.  Women between 20 and 39 years old should have a clinical breast exam by a health care professional at least every three years.  Women 40 and older should have a clinical breast exam every year.

Text Box: Women 40 and older should have a clinical breast exam every year. A clinical breast exam is a physical exam done by a health care professional such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or a physician’s assistant.  The clinician will look at the breasts for any changes in size, shape, color, or smoothness.  He or she will then closely feel each breast and underarm for any lumps or abnormalities.  If there are any unusual findings, the clinician may recommend additional testing. Monthly Breast Self-Exam.  Women 20 years and older should do a monthly breast self-exam.  A breast self-exam is similar to a clinical breast exam except that you do the test on yourself.  The American Cancer Society recommends a monthly BSE so that women can become familiar with how their breasts normally feel so it’s easier to detect any changes.  It’s best to do a BSE when the breasts aren’t swollen or tender.  You should tell your doctor right away if you find any changes in your breasts.  You will most likely need a clinical breast exam and additional testing (such as a mammogram).

Text Box: Allegheny Imaging of McCandless, LLC is proud to support the fight against breast cancer.