There are many types of benign breast conditions. Even though these are not cancerous diseases, is it still very important for you to understand these conditions because most women will develop AT LEAST one of these conditions within their lifetime. Know the facts to ease your worries as well as the worries of the women around you.

Breast lumps that are benign

The good news is YOU DON’T HAVE BREAST CANCER.

The bad news is YOU STILL HAVE A BREAST LUMP.

Although most women think that if they a breast lump usually means they have breast cancer. However, this is FALSE. There are several breast lumps that represent benign breast conditions.

These lumps can still be mind-boggling to you and can still cause a feeling of ‘un-easiness’. Once you know the facts, you will be able to rest better because KNOWLEDGE BRINGS COMFORT!

Types of Benign Breast Lumps:

Breast Cysts

Breast Cysts are one of the most common benign breast conditions that appear as a lump. These occur most frequently in women of child-bearing age. A woman can have one single breast cyst or many, many breast cysts. Once a woman has been diagnosed with a breast cyst, it is very likely that she will develop more cysts.

The amount of estrogen in a woman’s body has been linked to the cause of breast cysts. As the hormones levels change with a woman’s menstrual cycle, breasts tissue composition also changes. Cysts form when the milk ducts are clogged because of these hormonal effects on the glandular and connective tissue within the breast. These changes are referred to as Fibrocystic Changes.

Click here to learn more about Fibrocycstic Breast Disease

Symptoms of a breast cyst are:

• A soft and moveable lump
• Tenderness in the area of the lump
• Increasing and decreasing in the size and tenderness of the lump with the menstrual cycle

If it is desired, a woman can choose to have the breast cyst aspirated or surgically removed. Speak to your doctor if you feel you have a breast cyst. Never assume a that your breast lump is a cyst – a mammogram or breast ultrasound should be used to diagnose all cysts.

Fibroadenomas

A fibroadenoma is a solid, benign breast condition. They are solid breast tumors and typically have a ‘rubbery’ texture. They vary in size from being pea-size to the size of a golf ball. Most fibroadenomas do not hurt or cause any other symptoms.

Because fibroadenomas are made of fibrous and glandular tissues, they can change in size with a woman’s menstrual cycle. However, it is more common for a fibroadenoma grow with the menstrual cycle and not to get smaller. Also, breast feeding and pregnancy can cause the sizes of fibroadenomas to grow. These occur most commonly in women bewteen the ages of 20-30.

Diagnosis of a fibroadenoma is typically done with a mammogram or breast ultrasound. For a definitive diagnosis, a biopsy should be performed.

Lipoma

A lipoma by definition is a ‘fatty tumor’. Lipomas can be found anywhere within the body, including in the breast. The occurrence of a lipoma in a woman’s body increases the likelihood of the development of another lipoma eventually forming within her body.

Lipomas are generally painless and present themselves as a very soft, mobile and easily compressible lump. They can occur in any woman of any age. They can form as a result from blunt trauma to the breast or they can form because of no reason at all.

Diagnosis of a breast lipoma can be made clinically, mammographically or with the use of breast ultrasound. If there is any question of the exact diagnosis, a breast biopsy may also be performed.

Other benign breast conditions:

Here are a few more benign breast conditions:

Breast Pain

Breast pain is a general term used to describe a condition that many women face as a normal part of their life. There are many reason a breast may hurt and there are several remedies to help to alleviate this annoying and frustrating condition.
Click here to learn more about Breast Pain and what you can do about it.

Mastitis

Mastitis is a very painful benign breast condition that is usually occurs in mother’s who are breastfeeding. The symptoms for mastitis are:

• Very painful and warm breast
• Reddness of the breast, usually starting at the nipple region and extending out
• Extreme pain in the breast while breastfeeding
• Low-mid grade fever
• A general feeling of fatigue

As with any infection, mastitis occurs, because of the intoduction of bactria. In this case, it is usually from the bacteria the baby’s mouth entering the nipple while breastfeeding. Diagnosing mastitis is usually done clinically however, it must never be confused with the symptoms of Imflammatory Breast Cancer.

If you are expereincing mastitis, you doctor will probably put you on an antibiotic and inform you to drink plenty of fluids and get rest.

If symptoms are not relieved, a breast absess can form Galactogram

It is difficult to diagnose a papilloma with just the use of a mammogram or breast ultrasound. A breast biopsy is the best and most accurate method for diagnosis.

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia by definition is a benign breast condition that represents as an overgrown of a man’s breast tissue. It can effect one of both of his breast. It often starts as a breast lump and can grow and may even become tender.

Just as a woman’s breast grow and develop because of the estrongen levels in her body, just is the same for men. Men in normal situations have low levels of estrogen (Just as women also have low levels of testosterone.). As the levels of estrogen in a male become higher, the size of his breasts may also increase. Other reasons men may develop Gynecomastia include lung cancer, liver cirrhosis, prescription medications and the use of Marijuana or heroin.

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As you can see, a Breast is a fairly simplistic organ. A breast is made up of approximately 15-20 sections, called Lobes. Inside each of the lobes are lobules.

It is within these lobules where milk is produced. These ‘milk machines’ are connected to a drainage system via ducts. All ducts travel to the nipple, where milk is then excreted. This entire unit containing the duct and lobule is called the terminal duct lobular unit or the TDLU.

Other structures that make up the breast are blood vessels, ligaments and connective tissue. Behind the breast lies the pectoralis muscle and the ribs.

Lymph nodes are also contained in the breast. Their purpose is to act as the drainage system by draining a fluid, called Lymph, outside of the breast into the body’s primary lymph system. Lymph nodes resemble the shape and size of a bean.

Breast cancer may spread to the lymph system via the sentinal node in the breast. Testing for the sentinal node during surgery answers the question, “Has my cancer spread?”.

A breast’s function and development are dependent on the hormones Estrogen and Progesterone. Estrogen serves as the ‘duct hormone’ as it aids to the actual development of the ducts and their branches. Progesterone is the ‘lobule hormone’ as it increases the size and number of the lobules.

So what goes wrong?

So what is breast cancer? Just like any other type of cancer, breast cancer is initiated by an abnormal changing of the DNA. DNA is found in all living organisms and serves as carrier of genetic information.

When abnormal changes occur in the DNA, normal breast cells can mutate into cancerous cells. As changes occur cells begin to grow more rapidly than normal cells, creating a tumor or mass. This mass can then metastasize and spread to the local lymph nodes and eventually into other organs throughout the body.

What is Breast Cancer? An often Silent Disease

Often times, women feel that if they have breast cancer they would have some sort of symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.

However, this theory is very incorrect! Breast cancer can mere within the breast for many weeks, months or years without causing any symptoms. By having a yearly screening mammogram breast cancer can be caught at its earliest possible stage.

So now that you know “What breast cancer is…”

Now that you know “What breast cancer is” there are still so many questions you are probably asking yourself. Questions like:

• Who gets it?
• How is breast cancer detected?
  Click here to learn more about diagnosing breast cancer.
• Is breast cancer prevention possible?
  Click here to learn more about breast cancer prevention options
• Am I at high risk for breast cancer?
  Click here to learn more about breast cancer risk factors
• What are the the latest treatment options for breast cancer?
  Click here to learn about treating breast cancer options

My-Breast-Cancer-Guide.com is here to help you answer all of these questions plus MUCH MORE! Keep on reading to learn more.

For more information about Breast Cancer and other types of cancer visit the Cancer Information Source, a guide to cancer, providing an in-depth introduction that is understandable even if you do not have a background in science or medicine.

From What is breast cancer Return to Breast Cancer Stages

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It is very important that you know the various breast cancer types and that you understand your specific disease. By understanding what is going on inside of your body, you are better able to feel like you have an active role in your road to recovery.

A breast biopsy is the best method to define the type of cancer. Click here to learn more about the types of breast biopsy

The following are the most common types of Breast Cancer:

Types of Breast Cancer that are Non-Invasive:

Noninvasive cancers are confined to a particular duct or lobule.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

• What is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ?
  DCIS is an area of abnormal cells within the lining of duct. These cells are contained and are not invasive (They may become invasive if untreated.).
• Symptoms of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ:
  Typically DCIS is found on mammograms. It may appear as a breast mass or as a group of microcalcifications.
• Facts about Ductal Carcinoma In Situ:
  DCIS has an extremely high cure rate it treated while it is still contained within the duct. If not treated, DCIS may continue to grow and leak out into the surrounding breast tissue. Having DCIS does increase your risk for developing another type of breast cancer during your lifetime.

Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)

• What is Lobular Carcinoma In Situ?
  LCIS is an area of abnormal cells that are found with in the milk lobule. These cells are well contained and are not invasive.
• Symptoms of Lobular Carcinoma In Situ:
  LCIS is usually found on a mammogram and typically does not have any associated symptoms. On a mammogram LCIS may appear as microcalcifications or as a vague mass.
• Facts about Lobular Carcinoma In Situ:
  The cure rate for LCIS is very high it treated quickly. If treatment is not given, LCIS may become an invasive cancer.

Types of Breast Cancer that are Invasive:

Invasive Breast cancers are one of the types of breast cancer that are not confined to a particular areas in the breast such as within a lobule or duct. These cancers are aggressive and tend to spread to other areas of the body.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

• What is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma?
  IDC is a group of cancerous cells that are not confined to a particular duct. They have broken out of the duct and are spreading into the surrounding tissues. From here, they can also travel to the lymph nodes, blood stream and to other parts of the body. The most common places for travel are the lungs, liver or bones. Early detection and treatment are key to your recovery.
• Symptoms of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma:
  IDC may appear as a breast lump. This lump may feel very fixed and not movable. However, some forms of IDC are not palpable. On a mammogram IDC may show up as a spiculated or irregular mass. It may or may not have microcalcifications associated with it.
• Facts about Invasive Ductal Carcinoma:
  Of all of the types of breast cancer, IDC is the most common. If caught early, IDC is a treatable form of breast cancer.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

• What is Invasive Lobular Carcinoma?
  ILC is a group of cancerous cells that are not confined to a particular milk lobule. They have broken out of the lobule and are spreading into the surrounding tissues. From here, they can also travel to the lymph nodes, blood stream and to other parts of the body. The most common places for travel are the lungs, liver or bones. Early detection and treatment are key to your recovery.
• Symptoms of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma:
  ILC may appear as a breast lump. This lump may feel very fixed and not movable. However, some forms of ILC are not palpable. On a mammogram ILC may show up as a spiculated or irregular mass. It may or may not have microcalcifications associated with it.
• Facts about Invasive Lobular Carcinoma:
  ILC is less common that IDC. If caught early, ILC is a treatble form of breast cancer.

Other Types of Breast Cancers:

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

• What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer?
  Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. It strikes quickly and must be treatly quickly to prevent rapid invasion into other parts of the body.
• Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer:
  Imflammatory breast cancer often causes the breast to appear as red, pink or have the appearance of a rash. The skin may apprear to have an apprearance of an orange peel or have welts and ridges. The breast typically swells and looks larger that the other, unaffected breast. Overall pain through out the entire breast is also a sypmtom. Nipple discharge and underarm tenderness may also be present.
• Facts about Inflammatory Breast Cancer:
  The breast becomes inflammed with Infammatory breast cancer because the cancerous cells block the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast. This causes a ‘back-up’ of the lymphatic fluid; resulting in breast pain and swelling. This apprearnce can mistaken and confused with a breast infection. If these symptoms are not relieved with a round of antibiotics, a breast biopsy should be considered to rule out inflammatory breast cancer.

Pagget’s Disease

• What is Paget’s Disease?
  Paget’s disease is a rare cancer that begins in the milk ducts of the nipple. It is a slow growing cancer and generaly has a very sublte appearance.
• Symptoms of Paget’s Disease:
  Symptoms of Paget’s disease are very subtle and often go untreated for several months. Paget’s disease genrally starts out as what appears to be a sore on the tip of the nipple that does not heal. As time goes on, it starts to get a ‘crusty’ appearance. It also may appear red, produce drainage, and may itch or burn.
• Facts about Paget’s Disease:
  Because Paget’s disease does not produce a ‘breast lump’, most women do not get concerned with nipple changes. Paget’s disease is primarily first diagnosed clinically based on the apprearance of the nipple rather than with the use of a mammogram. If you doctor is concerend that you may have Paget’s disease, he or she will probably still prefer to definitively diagnose this is diesease with the use of a nippe biopsy.

Mucinous Carcinoma

Sometimes referred to as Colloid Carcinoma

• What is Mucinous Carcinoma?
  Mucinous Carcinoma is a rare form of breast cancer. It is formed when cancerous cells in your breast produce a mucous. This results in a tumor that has the texture of jelly.
• Symptoms of Mucinous Carcinoma:
  Because of the jelly texture inside of the lump, it may be diffucult to feel a mucinous carcinoma tumor in your breast. These tumors are usually first detected on a mammogram as a suspicous and irregular mass. Ultrasound can sometimes be used for further evaluation, however, some mucinous carcinomas blend in very well within the normal breast tissue and can be difficult to see with ultrasound.
• Facts about Mucinous Carcinoma:
  Compared to the other types of breast cancer, Mucinous carcinomas of the breast are very rare. They are also sometimes difficult to clearly diagnose. A complete and thorough work-up with the use of mammogram, breast ultrasound, and physical breast examinations are usually the best methods for detection.

Staging Breast Cancer:

Breast Cancer staging is a methodology that your doctor may use to numerically explain your disease. It is often used in most types of breast cancer. To learn more about what Breast Cancer Staging is and why it is important to you, click here. Stages of Breast Cancer

From Types of Breast Cancer Return to Breast Cancer Stages

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There are many options for breast cancer treatment. Your doctor will study your pathology report closely and tailor your treatment options accordingly.

These factors must be taken in consideration when planning your treatment:

• The size of your tumor
• Knowledge of any lymph node involvement
• The stage of your tumor
• The location of your tumor
• Aggressiveness of your specific form of breast cancer
• YOUR level of comfort in treating YOUR breast cancer

Once all of these factors have been heavily considered, you and your doctor will design your customized treatment plan. It is important to learn more about all of the available treatment options.

Breast Surgery

Breast surgery is one of the most common treatment options. It is almost always a necessary requirement for the removal of the breast cancer. There are several types of breast cancer surgeries.

They are:

• Breast Lumpectomy
• Simple Mastectomy
• Radical Mastectomy

Click here to learn more about the specifics about Surgery options for breast cancer

Checking for Metastasis

It is very important for your doctor to know if your breast cancer has spread to other tissues in your body. To check for metastasis, your doctor will need to test your near-by lymph nodes.

Click here to learn more about Lymph Node Testing

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of cancer-fighting medications that are used to kill cancer cells. Not all types of Breast Cancer require the use of Chemotherapy, however, most do. It is a very common treatment option that most cancers require.

Chemotherapy is a field that is always changing and becoming more effective in treating breast cancer. Although it is greatly improved from the ‘old days’ it is still considered a a drug with many possible side effects.

Some side effects of Chemotherapy are:

• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Muscle Cramps
• Hair Loss
• Numbness or pain in the hands or feet
• Menopausal Symptoms

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancerous cells. This is a very common form of treatment for those women who choose to have breast conservation surgery.

Radiation therapy is sometimes used before a woman has surgery to remove her breast cancer. The purpose of pre-surgery radiation therapy is to shrink the tumor and kill the cancerous cells in the tumor to allow for easier and less risky surgeries. This is typically done with larger tumors which may be difficult to remove.

There are two types of Radiation therapy: Internal and External

Internal Radiation Therapy:

This is administered with the use of small radioactive implants. These can be put into the cancerous area of the breast by the use of special devices. These implants stay in place for several days. This does require the woman to be in the hostipal during her treatment. After the treatment is complete, the implants are removed.

External Radiation Therapy:

This type of treatment is done in a specialized radiation therapy department. The radiation is emitted from a specialized machine and is systematically given only in the cancerous area of the breast. Typically external treatments options last for several days each week for several weeks in a row.

Side effects of Radiation Therapy include:

• Skin changes similar to that of a bad sunburn
• Heaviness and tightness of the breast
• Fatigue
• Weeping and oozing of the breast tissue

Typically most of these side effects go away when radiation is no longer being used.

Surgical Reconstruction with Breast Cancer

After all treatment are complete, you are now able to make a decision about your surgical reconstruction options. Not every patient feels the need for reconstruction of her breast and that is perfectly acceptable.

If you are interested in the options for Surgical Reconstruction of your breast, click here to read more about breast reconstruction

Clinical Trials

Some patients have the desire to take part in a clinical trial. By choosing to participate in a clinical trials, you may be able to get additional treatment options for your breast cancer.

Click here if you are interested in participating in a breast cancer clinical trials

From Treatment Options Return to Breast Cancer Stages

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The breast cancer stages should be looked at as a way that your doctors can ‘name’ your cancer. By giving your cancer a stage, the size, nodular involvement and other organ involvement of your cancer are easily identified by the health care professionals that will be taking care of you.

Here are breast cancer stages

• Stage 0
  Cancer cells are only present in the lining of a breast duct or loblue and have not started to invade the other tissues. Such cancers include Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) and Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS).
• Stage I
  Cancer is no longer contained. It has now started spreading into nearby tissue. The size of this cancer is less than 2 centimeters and has it not spread into the lymph nodes.
• Stage II
  This size of this cancer is between 2-5 centimeters. At this point, it may or may not have traveled into the lymphatic system.
• Stage IIIA
  This cancer is 5 centimeters or larger and has spread into the axillary lymph nodes.
• Stage IIIB
  This cancer has now spread into the skin surface of the breast or into the tissues of the chest wall. This cancer is known as locally advanced.
• Stage IV
  This cancer is now known as metastatic. It has now spread to other organs of the body. These may include: brain, bone, liver or lung.

From Stages of Breast Cancer back to Types of Breast Cancer

Return to Breast Cancer Stages – Homepage

If you have just received a diagnosis of breast cancer, you may still feel uneasy. Furthermore, if you just received a diagnosis stating that you do not have breast cancer, you may still feel unsure. You have the right to PEACE OF MIND and another opinion may be just what you need.

There are a few things you need to consider before you may want to proceed and these include

• Understand why are you wanting a second opinion

  If the only reason you are wanting a different opinion is because you are wanting someone to tell you completely different results, you may need to rethink this process. Seek additional advice ONLY if you truly want someone else to give you their opinion

• Don’t just switch facilities because of the Name

  Never decide to go to a different facility because you like their name better or because they have a nice television commercial. Know the facts about each facility and use them to be your standard of judgment.

• Don’t be afraid to tell your doctor that you are wanting another opinion

  If your doctor is a true professional they will be happy to let someone else give their opinion. If you are fearful of the way your doctor may react to your request, you probably do need to switch doctors.

• Don’t change providers because you think it will speed up your treatment and/or surgery

  Actually, seeking a different opinion will probably add more time to your treatment and/or surgery. Most facilities will request all of your imaging and reports before they will give you an appointment. This may take several days and even weeks.

After considering all of these factors how do you feel? If you still want another one, please speak to your referring doctor. The sooner you speak up, the sooner the process can be started.

From Second Opinion back to Diagnosing Breast Cancer

Return to Breast Cancer Stages

A mammogram screening could save your life. It is a series of 4-6 x-rays that are taken of your breasts on a yearly basis. By having a this life-saving exam performed annually, the reading radiologist can detect very subtle changes in your tissue that could indicate the first stages of a breast cancer.

There are many reasons that screening mammograms are disliked by many women. Some of these reason include:

• Many women feel insecure about their breasts and do not want others to see them
• Many women are scared because they do not want to find out that they have breast cancer
• some women have very painful breasts and do not want them to be ‘squeezed’.
• women often times hear ‘HORROR’ stories about how painful mammograms are. These stories prevent some women from getting their screening mammograms
• Some women are very insecure about their body image because they are overweight. This prevents them from getting their mammograms
• Some women with Breast Implants are worried that the mammogram will POP their implants

It is true- a mammogram is NOT A WALK IN THE PARK! However, a small amount of pain is worth it if it means saving YOUR life.

Click here to learn more about the importance of Screening Mammogram.

Tips to Improve YOUR Experience

• Cut back on the caffeine.
  Drinking caffeine can increase the pain in your breasts. If you stop all caffeine a few weeks before this exam, you will notice that your breasts are not as tender.
• Understand that NO BODY is perfect.
  If you understand that there is no such thing as a perfect body or a perfect breast, you will not feel so insecure. we have all be made to look unlike anyone else….enjoy your body and appreciate the uniqueness!
• Relax.
  Your breasts sit on top of your chest muscles. Being tense in your chest will cause these chest muscles to contract. This will result in a very painful experience. Before your imaging starts, take in several breaths and try to relax your shoulders and arms. This will help the technologist to get better pictures and will help to improve your experience.
• Pre-Medicate.
  If you have fibrocystic breast changes or very painful breasts, you may find benefit in taking a mild pain reliever prior to your appointment. Speak to your doctor if you are interested in this option
• Timing is Everything.
  If there is a time of the month when you notice that your breasts are very painful, try to schedule your mammogram accordingly. Avoid having your appointment around your period. This will help to avoid hormonal changes in your breasts.
• You do the Compression.
  If you are worried about the compression part of the exam, ask your technologist if you can apply your own compression to your breasts. some technologists will be happy to let you play a role in your exam. Your perceived amount of pain may change if you are compressing yourself.
• Bring a Friend.
  Many women enjoy making a ‘Girl Friend Day’ out of their screening mammograms. Ask a friend if she is due for her’s and schedule it together. Make it a yearly event that you both can share together.

Here are just a few tips on how to improve your annual breast imaging experience. It doesn’t matter how you do it- It just matters THAT you DO IT!

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A mammogram screening is a valuable tool for the early detection of breast cancer. By having a screening mammogram on a yearly basis, the radiologist can use your previous exams to determine if ANY SUBTLE or SUSPICIOUS changes have occurred in your breast tissue.

Although these exams are not perfect and may not detect every cancer, there have been many lives saved because of women choosing to get their yearly screening mammogram.

Who needs a Screening mammogram?

It is recommended that women should start getting screened for breast cancer around age 35. Because some women may be at a higher risk than others, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine when the right time is for you to start getting this important exam.

Click here to learn more about your risk factors

What to expect during a screening mammogram?

When you arrive for this test, you will be told to undress from the waist up. You will be given a gown to keep you covered. You will be asked to remove all powders, perfumes and deodorant as these may hinder the quality of your mammogram.

When the technologist is ready, you will be brought into the exam room. The technologist will ask you several questions such as:

• Your personal and family history of breast cancer
• Your use of hormones
• Your breast history (ie: any breast surgeries, scars, moles)
• If you are having any breast problems
• How many children you have had

After your history is taken, you will be asked to expose one breast by taking one arm out of your gown. Your breast will be placed on a tray on a mammogram machine.

The technologist will apply compression to your breast by having another tray on the machine to move onto your breast. When the correct amount of compression is reached, the technologist will step away from you and ask you to not breathe.

An x-ray will be taken and you may hear a ‘beep’ from the machine. The compression will immediately release and you will be allowed to breathe regularly.

Several images will be taken of your breast; typically, no more than 6. After the images have been taken, your technologist will review them and then instruct you that your exam is complete and will allow you to get dressed and to leave. You should receive your results within 30 days.

Will it hurt?

Some women state that their mammogram is very uncomfortable and other women state that it is a pain-free exam. Either way, this exam is very important and should be a part of a woman’s health plan. Even if it is a bit uncomfortable, this small amount of pain COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.

There are several tips that you can use to make this experience more comfortable for you. Click here to learn these screening mammogram tips

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Here are several tips to help you to reduce your risk factors:

• Stay active.
  Being overweight and inactive are considered risk factors for developing breast cancer. Fortunately, these are very controllable factors. Start slowly by incorporating some extra walking into your day.
  Before you know it, you will feel better and have more energy. By keeping the rest of your body healthy you will be better able to fight breast cancer if you ever develop it.Click here to learn more about risk factors
• Screen, Screen, Screen
  Get your screening mammograms. Love them or hate them – Screening Mammogram catch breast cancer at some of its earliest and most treatable stages.
  
  Other screening tests, such as breast MRI, may also been recommended to you based on your family or personal history. Speak to your doctor about the best screening tests for you. Click here to learn how to improve your screening mammogram experience.
• Know your genes.
  If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, you can choose to have your genes tested. This test checks to see if you have a common mutation that is linked to some breast cancer development. Click here to learn more about Genetics. Speak to your doctor if you are interested in having your genes tested
• Limit Your Alcohol
  There have been several studies that link breast cancer to the woman’s consumption. Because of this correlation, it would best to not use alcohol or to limit it to just a few drinks each week.
• Breast Feed
  Studies also show that when women choose to breastfeed for six months or longer, her risk for the development of breast cancer decreases.

• Preventative Medication
  There are special scenarios when women have been given medication such as Tamoxifen to reduce their risk of breast cancer.
  
  Medications such as this also come with many risks themselves. It is important that you discuss the risks and the benefits with your doctor before you make your decision about preventative medication.
• Preventative Surgery
  If the likelihood of you developing breast cancer is extremely high, you may choose to have a bilateral mastectomy. This is a very permanent surgery.
  
  You must decide if the risks outweigh the benefits. Even with a bilateral mastectomy, your chances for developing breast cancer are still there….they are just MUCH less. Speak with your doctor if you are interested in this option.

Reducing risk factors for breast cancer will NOT GUARANTEE that you will never develop breast cancer. However, studies show that by following these steps, your risk may be reduced. It never hurts to give them a try!

From Reducing Risk Factors back to Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Return to Breast Cancer Stages

Everyone has heard or seen some great mammogram jokes. Wecome to the ULTIMATE collection of mammogram jokes!

This page is for you to also share your favorite mammogram jokes or cartoons. If you have one you would like to share, please fill out the form below…..your joke will be added shortly.

Enjoy these mammogram jokes and enjoy a Good Long LAUGH!

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