Does hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of breast cancer?
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Hormonal replacement therapy given to some women after menopause over a long period of time (more than 5 years) can increase breast cancer risk by 40%. However, once a woman stops taking HRT her risk declines over time. |
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Do Birth control pills increase the risk of breast cancer?
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Many epidemiological studies suggest that there no increased risk with contraceptive pills. However, the most recent research suggests that women under age 35 may be at slightly increased risk for breast cancer if they have been taking birth control pills for over 5 years. However, this risk disappears after she has stopped using birth control pills for 10 years or more. |
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Am I at higher risk for developing breast cancer if I have a family history of the disease?
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Five to ten percent of women who have breast cancer have a family history; therefore, it is important to know your family history. It is recommended that women who have had a close relative (mother, sister, daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer should begin screening with a health care provider ten years earlier than recommended.
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What age to start and how often should I do a breast self examination?
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You should start self breast examination at age of 20. You should check your breasts for any changes once a month after your monthly period or at a certain day each month if you don’t have periods.
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How do I do breast self examination?
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A breast self-exam includes the following steps:
1. Stand in front of the mirror, shoulders straight with arms on hips, and examine your breasts for
- redness, soreness, rash or swelling
- dimpling, puckering or bulging of the skin
- a nipple that has changed position or has turned inward (inverted)
2. Raise your hands above your head and look for the same things as above
3. Now gently squeeze each nipple to see if there is milky, yellow or bloody discharge
4. Lie down, lay your right arm above your head and feel your right breast with your left hand using a few fingers held flat and together. Use a circular or other pattern that systematically covers the entire breast. First, apply gentle pressure to check the soft tissue and then slightly stronger pressure to check deeper tissue. Repeat with your right hand and left breast.
5. Finally, repeat step #4 while standing. This may be easier while the skin is wet so you may want to do it in the shower.
For an English speaking video showing steps of breast self examination, please go to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
For a written brochure in English and Arabic, please go to Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
For steps with pictures in English, please go to Breast Cancer Organization |
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What type of problems may I notice while doing the self breast examination?
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To detect potential problems at the earliest possible opportunity, you need to be aware of any changes in your breasts.
For example:
- change in size - one breast may have become noticeably larger or lower
- nipple change - if the nipple becomes inverted (pulled in) or changes its position or shape
- rash - on or around the nipple
- discharge - from one or both nipples
- puckering or dimpling - around nipple
- swelling - under your armpit or around your collarbone (from lymph nodes)
- lump or thickening - that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue
- constant pain - in one part of your breast or in your armpit.
You need to consult your physician if you notice any of these changes. |
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How often to do mammogram?
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Women should start having mammograms at age 40 and should have one every one to two years.
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Can I have mastectomy as a preventable measure?
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Preventative mastectomies can reduce women at high risk for developing breast cancer by 90%; however, many women who do so regret having the procedure. It is important to think carefully about it and discuss it with your doctor before deciding.
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Is breast cancer curable?
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Ninety-five percent of women who are diagnosed early are still alive after five years. Many women are successfully treated and not have breast cancer again. However, they are still at risk for the cancer recurring so it is important to continue having regular check-ups.
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