Public Health Home Page
 |
Breast Cancer Information |
 Cancer Home
|
Clinical Trials
|
Screening
|
Services
|
Support
|
|
Breast Cancer |
Colorectal Cancer |
Lung Cancer |
Prostate Cancer |
Skin Cancer |
PREVENTION OVERVIEW
Anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease is a risk factor; anything that decreases a person’s chance of developing a disease is a protective factor. Some of the risk factors for cancer can be avoided, but many can not. Prevention means avoiding the risk factors and increasing the protective factors that can be controlled so that the chance of developing cancer decreases.
BREAST CANCER PREVENTIONDiet and Lifestyle: Diet is being studied as a risk factor for breast cancer. Studies show that in populations that consume a high-fat diet, women are more likely to die of breast cancer than women in populations that consume a low-fat diet. It is not known if a diet low in fat will prevent breast cancer. Studies also show that certain vitamins may decrease a woman’s risk of breast cancer, especially premenopausal women at high risk. Exercise, especially in young women, may decrease hormone levels and contribute to a decreased breast cancer risk. Breast feeding may also decrease a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Studies suggest that the consumption of alcohol is associated with a slight increase in the risk of developing breast cancer. Postmenopausal weight gain, especially after natural menopause and/or after age 60, may increase breast cancer risk.
Hormonal Factors: Beginning to menstruate at an older age and having a full-term pregnancy reduces breast cancer risk. Also, a woman who has her first child before the age of 20 experiences a greater decrease in breast cancer risk than a woman who has never had children or who has her first child after the age of 35. Beginning menopause at a later age increases a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Radiation: Studies have shown that reducing the number of chest x-rays, especially at a young age, decreases the risk of breast cancer. Radiation treatment for childhood Hodgkin’s lymphoma may put women at a greater risk for breast cancer later in life. A small number of breast cancer cases can be linked to radiation exposure.
SYMPTOMS TO REPORT TO YOUR DOCTOR
 A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit A change in the breast's size or shape An abnormal discharge from the nipple Scaling of the nipple or nipple retraction A change in the color of the breast or the areola (area
around the nipple) Any dimpling or puckering of the skin or change in
the color or texture of the skin
|
SCREENING OVERVIEWWhat is screening? Screening is looking for cancer before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread.
It is important to remember that your doctor does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test. Screening tests are given when you have no cancer symptoms.
BREAST CANCER SCREENINGThree tests are commonly used to screen for breast cancer.
• Breast self-exam (BSE): Breast self-exam is an exam to check your own breasts for lumps or anything else that seems unusual. The American Cancer Society states that women should report any change in their breasts to their doctor right away. BSE is a way for women (starting in their 20s) to find changes in their breasts. The ACS further states that if you decide to do BSE (and it’s OK not to do it), you should ask your doctor to watch you do it during your regular physical exam. If you do BSE on a regular basis, you get to know how your breasts normally feel. Then you can more easily notice changes.
• Clinical breast exam (CBE): A clinical breast exam is an exam of the breast conducted by a doctor or other health professional. The doctor will carefully feel the breasts and under the arms for lumps or anything else that seems unusual. The American Cancer Society recommends that women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast examination (CBE) as part of a regular exam by a health expert preferably every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health expert every year.
• Mammogram: A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. This test may find tumors that are too small to feel. The American Cancer Society recommends that women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year, and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health.
BREAST CANCER TREATMENTThere are currently four standard types of treatment for patients with breast cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Most patients with breast cancer have surgery to remove the cancer from the breast. Some lymph nodes located under the arm may also be taken out and examined for cancer cells. Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Hormone therapy is a cancer treatment that blocks the action of hormones and stops cancer cells from growing.
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS| After Breast Cancer Support Group | |
|
This group welcomes women who are living with breast cancer, offering a monthly
meeting featuring educational presentations and offering support to individuals
and those affected by breast cancer. Mercy Medical Plaza 540 E Jefferson Iowa City, IA 52245 Meets in the McAuley Rm., 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, 2nd Thursday No Program Fees Contact - Mercy on Call, (319) 358-2767 |
|
| "Especially for You" After Breast Cancer Support Group at Mercy Cancer Center | |
|
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 Phone: (319) 398-6452, (319) 365-4673 Meeting times: evening 4th Tuesday Type of group or groups: Women (or Men) With Breast Cancer, Support Group, Partners, Ongoing, No Special Population - All Are Welcome, Breast Cancer, and All Stages |
|
| The Unbroken Circle | |
|
An active support group for women that provides educational and supportive
activities. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics 200 Hawkins Dr Iowa City, IA 52242 Meets on the 4th floor of Clinical Cancer Center. 7:00 pm, 4th Tuesday (unless a holiday) [Will not meet in June, July, and August] Contact - Jean Arndt; Annie Fleagle; Michelle Hostetter, (319) 384-7931 |
|
| Woman to Woman | |
|
A support group for women who have experienced breast cancer. Meetings may
include presentations, guest speakers or discussions that explore healing
of the body, mind and spirit. St. Luke’s Women’s Care Medical Plaza 855 A Ave NE, Suite 400 Educational Classroom Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 319-369-7216 Second Thursday of the month, 5:15 to 7:00 pm |
|
BREAST CANCER SERVICESAmerican Cancer Society Reach to Recovery: Trained volunteer breast cancer survivors provide one-on-one support and information to help individuals cope with breast cancer. (Free) 1-800-ACS-2345.
BREAST CANCER LINKSSusan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
1-800-I’M AWARE (1-800-462-9273)
