Younger women generally do not consider themselves to be at risk for breast cancer. Only 5% of all breast cancer cases occur in women under 40 years old. However, breast cancer can strike at any age, and all women should be aware of their personal risk factors for breast cancer.

 What are some risk factors for breast cancer?

      1)   A personal history of breast cancer or non-cancerous breast disease;
2)   A family history of breast cancer, particularly in a mother, daughter or sister;
3)   History of radiation therapy;
4)   Evidence of a genetic mutation(BRCA1/BRCA2)
5)   Obesity
6)   Alcohol intake
7)   Age of first menstrual period and first pregnancy.

 Can Breast Implants cause Breast Cancer?

   According to UCSD’s Cancer Center citing a review of studies, there is no evidence that the risk of breast cancer is increased from breast implants.

 What is the best way for younger women to screen for breast cancer?

   The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that all women 20 years of age or older should perform monthly breast self-examinations (BSE) The best time to perform BSE is the day after your monthly period ends. In addition to monthly BSE, annual clinical breast exams by the medical provider are recommended for all women beginning at age 20.

   While the percentage of men who are diagnosed with breast cancer is small, men should also perform monthly exams.

What are the Signs of Breast Cancer?

      Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain and may not have any symptoms at all, however, as the cancer grows, it can cause any of the following changes:

• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area;
• A change in the size and the shape of the breast;
• Nipple discharge or tenderness or nipple inversion;
• Dimpling or pitting of the skin (looks like an orange peel)
• Change in the way the skin of the breast, areola or nipple looks or feels (for example, warm, swollen, red or scaley)
   

 What Other Testing and/or Treatments Might Be Recommended?

   Many breast lumps in pre-menopausal women are influenced by hormones that circulate in the body. After a thorough evaluation, if we think the lump is hormonally affected, we may advise stopping all caffeine and re-examining the patient one week after her next menses is over. In other cases, further testing may include a breast ultrasound, mammogram and/or referral to a breast specialist who will continue the work-up. If breast cancer is detected, the breast specialist will decide on the proper course of treatment for your individual case which may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and other modalities.

    It is important to remember that the vast majority of breast lumps are NOT cancer. However, if you are worried about a breast lump, nipple discharge or skin changes on your breast, the sooner you obtain a medical evaluation, the better! At our college health clinic, during the annual PAP exam, we review the proper technique for doing a self breast exam. Please schedule an appointment if you have concerns about a breast lump or if you would like more information about doing a  breast self-examination.