by Debbie Lester

Created on: June 06, 2009   Last Updated: October 29, 2009

Do you have a wife, a mother, a sister or a daughter? Did you know that one in every eight women will face breast cancer some time in their life? Breast Cancer is the most common Cancer among women and causes the most deaths in women 45 to 55 years of age. The American Cancer Society expects over 193,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year and 98% of those cases will be women. For many years breast cancer was considered incurable, a death sentence to those who suffered from it. Today however, there are over 2 million breast cancer survivors due in large part to the advances in early detection, surgical options and other advanced treatments. How can you help a loved one who is at risk for breast cancer? Knowledge is power!

The Importance of Early Detection

Changes in a womans DNA can cause normal breast cells to become cancerous. Breast cancer is basically the uncontrolled growth of breast cells and it usually occurs in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. Though it can begin in this area it can also spread to other parts of the body, making early detection vital in breast cancer survival and treatment.

Early detection saves thousands of lives each year. The American Cancer Society suggests, mammograms, and breast self examination as tests that every woman should be aware of.

Mammograms and Breast Self Examinations

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. It can detect changes in women who have no breast cancer symptoms. A very low level of radiation is used and there is very little pain. Women over 40 are encouraged to have a mammogram every year. Younger women tend to have more dense breast tissue making mammograms less effective. MRI technology is now being used to detect breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue who have a medical history of breast cancer in their family. Mammograms can miss some signs but are still a very effective tool in early detection.

The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Young women in their 20's and 30's are encouraged to become more familiar with their bodies. Breast Self Examination is not a full-proof method of detection but it can be very effective. Guidelines are available not only in health clinics and doctors offices but on the Internet as well. Women should know what is normal for their own bodies and seek medical care if they notice lumps, discharges from the nipple, changes in size and shape of the nipple, changes in their skin or if they are aware of pain in the breast area.

Though there

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