1) Breast cancer is the 2nd most common type of cancer in Maine.
2) It is estimated that 1,040 Maine women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast.
Who Is At Risk?
- Getting older
- Starting menopause at an earlier age
- Being younger when you had your first menstrual period
- Being older at the birth of your first child
- Never giving birth
- Personal history of breast cancer or other non-cancerous breast diseases
- Family history of breast cancer
- Previous treatment with radiation therapy
- Being overweight
- Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy
- Having changes in breast cancer-related genes
- Using birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
- Drinking more than one alcoholic beverage per day
- Not getting regular exercise
Risk To Men:
Men can develop breast cancer, although breast cancer in men is a very rare disease.
The Good News!
Detecting breast cancer early increases the chances of survival.
How Can I Detect Breast Cancer Early?
· Studies over the last 20 years have repeatedly shown that mammography is the best way to detect early stage breast cancer.
· Several national organizations recommend breast cancer screening annually for women 40 and older.
· In women aged 40 or older, an annual mammogram can reduce the risk of dying of breast cancer by approximately 20%- 25% over 10 years.
What Is A Mammogram?
A mammogram is a safe and accurate X- ray photograph of the breast. Doctors use this tool to screen for breast cancer.
Click here for more information on screening and early detection.