About breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, although men can get breast cancer too. Women most often discover it when they find a lump on the breast. Most lumps found in women's breasts are benign, meaning they're not cancerous. When a tumor turns out to be malignant, however, it can be life threatening. The mortality rate of women with breast cancer has been decreasing over the last several years though, thanks in part to awareness programs. Treatment methods usually include radiation and chemotherapy treatments as well as surgical removal of part or all of the breast tissue. Women whose first-degree relatives have breast cancer, such as a mother or sister, can be at risk of developing it themselves. It's important that you begin checking your own breasts when you turn 20, be examined annually by a physician, and have regular mammograms after age 40. For more information about breast cancer, contact your healthcare provider.