Arm yourself against breast cancer

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a great time for women to arm themselves with knowledge against this disease.

Dr. Camille CS, an obstetrician/gynecologist from Sandpoint Women's Health agreed to shed some light on the subject by answering some of the most common questions regarding breast cancer.

HB: What is breast cancer?

Dr. Camille CS: Breast cancer is simply cancer in the cells of any part of the breast. It is the most common cancer in females in the U.S.

HB: What are the risk factors associated with developing breast cancer?

CS: The most common risk factors are:

1. Age. The risk of breast cancer increases as women approach menopause, and lessens again near 80 years of age.

2. Race. Caucasians have the highest risk, followed by African Americans, Asians and Hispanics. Native Americans have the lowest risk.

3. Weight. Higher body mass index increases risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.

4. Alcohol intake. Heavy alcohol intake (two to five drinks per day) increases risk up to one-and-a-half times over non-drinkers.

5. Reproductive factors. Women who began menstruating under the age of 12 and/or began menopause after the age of 55 are at increased risk for breast cancer.

The risk of breast cancer also is higher for women who have never had children, or who had their first child at a later age.

HB: What are the signs of breast cancer?

CS: Finding a lump or mass in the breast or under the armpit, pain or swelling in the breast or nipple, drainage from nipple (not related to lactation), and skin dimpling or irritation are all possible signs. It's important not to become alarmed, since these symptoms often turn out to be benign. Nonetheless, they should always be checked by a physician.

HB: What are some of the things women can do to lessen their risk of developing breast cancer?

CS: Limit alcohol intake, exercise regularly, breastfeed for at least six months, perform monthly breast self-examinations and get regular mammograms. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammogram screening for all women over the age of 40.

HB: How do I do a breast self-examination and how often should it be done?

CS: It is often easiest to do a breast self-examination in the shower. Massage the breast and surrounding tissue in a circular motion, while searching for any unusual lumps or abnormalities. It is best to do a breast self-exam once a month, after your period. Postmenopausal women should choose a date on the calendar that they will remember such as the first day of the month. The majority of breast cancer tumors are self-detected, making breast self-exams one of the best weapons in our arsenal.

Doing monthly self-exams, getting annual mammograms and checking with a physician regarding any changes or concerns are our best line of defense against this disease.