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In 2009, over 250,000 women in the USA will be devastated to receive a diagnosis of breast cancer. They will probably feel utterly overwhelmed by the news and depressed by their new knowledge. There is no doubt that the psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis is immense and can lead to severe anxiety and depression.

Facing facts: as a woman you have about a 1:8 chance of being given this diagnosis sometime in your life. Fact: almost 1% of breast cancers will be men.

Another fact? With early detection you have a 96% chance of surviving for at least 5 years. "Early" is the keyword here. By the time you can see or feel an actual lump in your breast, it is no longer in its early stages and the treatment will be lengthier and more complex. Early detection is obviously what to aim for, so what are the best methods to follow?

MAMMOGRAPHY

Mammography is the most effective tool available. A relatively quick and simple mammogram can reveal important breast changes up to two years before a woman notices anything different. Any cancer found at such an early stage is at its most curable and very likely, the breast can also be conserved intact. A woman whose breast cancer is found in its preliminary form through a mammogram is very fortunate!

How often should a woman who has no symptoms go for a mammogram? Your doctor who knows your history is the best guide but generally speaking, a healthy woman should, from the age of 40 have a mammogram at least every two years. Aging is an increased risk factor for breast cancer as is having a close relative, such as a mother or sister who has had the disease. When a routine mammogram indicates an abnormality in the breast, further tests may be conducted, such as ultrasound.

Another fact: most abnormalities found by mammography do NOT turn out to be breast cancer.

SELF EXAMINATION

Another weapon in the arsenal against breast cancer is literally at your fingertips. Women should make themselves very aware of their breasts and their shape and feel so that they can quickly detect changes. It's a good idea to begin in your twenties and make it a regular monthly routine. Inspect the breasts looking in a mirror, and then in the shower with soapy hands is a good place to feel for lumps or thickening

If you should happen to be among the thousands of women who do have a diagnosis of breast cancer, what is the next positive step?

CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS

All breast cancer treatment has the aim of eradicating the

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