Cancer services

Breast cancer

What you should know about breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women and it is the second leading cause of cancer death, after lung cancer. However, when detected early, breast cancer is very treatable. In recent years, the early detection of breast cancer has saved literally thousands of lives of women across the United States.

Most times, when a lump is detected, it is NOT cancer. In fact, 70 percent of all breast lumps are benign. But if you are over age 20, you should be aware of the warning signs and risk factors for breast cancer. Mammograms and regular breast examinations continue to be the best ways to detect breast cancer, and they should be performed according to the American Cancer Society screening guidelines. If you need a mammogram but do not have a physician, call (203) 688-2000 or try Yale-New Haven Health Physician Referral Online. If you would like to make an appointment for a mammogram, please call (203) 688-6800.

If breast cancer is present, surgeons at Yale-New Haven Hospital—leaders in breast conservation surgery—use lumpectomy with radiation therapy when possible to remove cancer while preserving the breast.

Addressing the psychosocial need of breast cancer patients is an integral part of diagnosis, treatment, research and follow-up care at Yale-New Haven. Nurses and social workers offer one-on-one care to patients. Support groups offer education, emotional support and friendship that help women cope with this disease.

Finally, Yale's Breast Cancer Research Program hopes to bring about even earlier detection techniques in the future.

Early detection of breast cancer
Through self-examination, mammography and clinical breast examination (CBE) by your doctor, breast cancers are being detected earlier than ever before.

Self-examination
You should learn how to perform monthly breast self-examinations. Many women who have gone through menopause find performing an exam every month on a certain day helpful. If you still menstruate, the best time to do it is five days after the start of your period. However, breast self-exams are NOT a substitute for mammography or examination by a clinician.

Warning signs
By performing regular monthly exams, you will become familiar with the normal bumps you feel in your breast and be better able to detect any changes. Call your doctor if you notice changes such as:

• thickening or swelling of breast tissue
• any dimpling or distortion of the breast
• skin irritation or scaliness of the breast
• tenderness of the nipple, or nipple discharge
• change in size or color of the breast or nipple
• lump in the breast or under the arm

Clinical breast examinations
During your routine physical examination, your doctor or health care professional may do a clinical breast examination. During this exam, your doctor will carefully feel your breasts and under your arms to check for lumps or other unusual changes.

Risk factors
As you get older, your risk of breast cancer increases. Your risk increases if you:

• are over 50 years old
• have had breast cancer
• have a mother, grandmother or sister who has had breast cancer
• began menstruation before you were 12 years old
• stopped having periods after you were 55 years old
• eat a diet that is high in fat
• are overweight
• have never been pregnant
• had your first baby after you were 30 years old
• are on estrogen replacement therapy

Most women have one or more risk factors. If you are at higher risk, ask your doctor about more frequent breast exams and mammograms. If you would like more information about genetic predisposition to cancer, the Yale Cancer Genetic Counseling Services are available to assist women.

Screening guidelines
Yale-New Haven Hospital follows the guidelines of the American Cancer Society in recommending the following schedule:

• Women age 20 and older: Monthly breast self examinations (BSE)
• Women age 20 to 40: BSE and Clinical breast examination by a doctor every year
• Women age 40 and older: BSE and clinical exam plus mammogram screening every year

Learn more
For more information, visit the YNHH Health Library.

Cancer Genetic Counseling

Next page: Diagnosing breast cancer

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Last revised: Jan. 4, 2008 (jy)

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