The Basics

• Every woman is at risk for breast cancer, no matter what her age or family history.
  
• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among adult women of all ages.
  
• In California alone, 21,325 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
  
• Nearly 95% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage survive for more than 5 years.
  
• Mammography can prevent thousands of breast cancer deaths each year through early detection.
  

Risk Factors

1. Gender

• The primary risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman.
  

2. Age

• Women aged 40 and over, in particular:
  
• Caucasian women ages 45 and over.
  
• Black women ages 40 and over.
  

3. Genetics

• Identification of BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 cancer genes.
  
• Inherited genetic mutations for breast cancer.
  

4. Hormonal Exposure

• Early onset of menstruation (age 12 or younger).
  
• Late onset of menopause (age 50 or older).
  
• No full-term pregnancies.
  
• No children or first child after age 30.
  

5. Family History

• Mother, sister(s), aunt(s), grandmother(s), or daughter(s) with a history of breast cancer.
  

6. Personal History and Lifestyle

• Precancerous condition diagnosed on breast biopsy.
  
• Nodular densities on mammogram.
  
• History of cancer of the endometrium, ovary, or colon.
  
• Excessive alcohol consumption (three or more drinks per day).
  
• Obesity (Body Mass Index is >30 or approximately more than 20% over ideal body weight).
  
• Physical inactivity.
  

Symptoms

• Breast lump, swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, pain, retraction, redness, scaliness, or discharge.
  

Guidelines for Detection

Ages 20 - 39

• Monthly breast self-exam.
  
• Annual clinical breast exam by a doctor or nurse.
  

Ages 40 +

• Monthly breast self-exam.
  
• Annual clinical breast exam by a doctor or nurse.
  
• Annual mammography.
  

Questions

You may be eligible for free services. If you live in Fresno, Kern, Mariposa, Merced, Stanislaus, Tulare, or Tuolumne counties, call the Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts! at 1-800-511-2300 for eligibility requirements, or your American Cancer Society office at 1-800-ACS-2345.

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