BREAST CANCER

THERE ARE MANY WOMEN WHO DO NOTTAKE CONTROL OFTHEIR BREAST HEALTHCARE. BREAST HEALTHCARE IS HAVING A ROUTINE MAMMOGRAM EVERY YEAR IF YOU ARE AGE 35 OR OLDER. IT IS ALSO DOING MONTHLY SELF-BREAST EXAM.

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?
Breast cancer happens when healthy breast cells change and grow-out of control. This oat of control cell growth can turn into cancerous tumors or lumps. If cancer is not found early and treated it can spread to other parts of the body. Breast lumps can be found when doing self-breast exams each month. You should do your self-breast exam at the same time each month:

• A few days after your period ends when your breasts are not as sore; or
• On the day you start a new pill pack if you are on birth control pills.

MYTHS
Many women come up with a lot of reasons not to check the health of their breasts. Many of these reasons are because of myths or untruths.

Myth #1: Finding a lump in my breast must mean that I have cancer.

Truth #1: All new breast lumps should be checked with your PCP. Most breast lumps (80%) are not cancer. Your PCP may have you watch a new lump through one or more menstrual cycles. Many lumps come and go with the menstrual cycle.

Myth #2: Why should I get a mammogram? I do not shave a family history of breast cancer.

True #2: Many breast cancers happen' in women with No risk or family history. If there is a family history, routine screening is even more important,

Myth #3: Underarm use of deodorant and wearing underwire bras cause breast cancer.

Truth #3: There is no clinical proof that using underarm deodorant or wearing underwire bras cause breast cancer.

Myth #4: Why should I get a mammogram if I do monthly self-breast checks? That should be enough.

Truth #4: The size of a tumor found by women who do monthly self-breast exams is 1 inch or more. Mammograms can find tumors as small as '14 inch or even 1 less.

Knowing the truth can save your life, or the life of a loved one. wants you to get your mammogram if you are between the age of 35-40.