I am 27 years old, and I have breast cancer. The doctors haven’t found any indication that I have it, but I know I do. It just hasn’t made itself known.
I don’t doubt my doctor’s expertise, but, you see, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was only 36. I literally watched her die six years later from the disease. I am what the doctor’s call “high risk,” but every woman is at risk. Eighty percent of the 175,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 have no known risk factors.
What are risk factors?
Age. As women age, the risk of developing breast cancer increases. On average, a woman’s chances of getting breast cancer is about one in 200 by age 40, one in 50 by age 50, and one in 25 by age 60.
Family history. Having a mother, sister or daughter who has had breast cancer increases risk.
Some studies indicate diet and exercise play a part in breast cancer risks. Truth be told doctors don’t really know what causes it. Your best defense is early detection.
The American Cancer Society recommends women age 40 and older have an annual mammogram. Women who follow this recommendation are 30 percent less likely to die of breast cancer. Don’t let cost be an inhibitor. Many hospitals and clinics offer low-cost or free mammograms during the year.
Between the ages of 20 and 39, women should have a clinical breast examination by a doctor every three years. After age 40, women should have this annually. Women age 20 or older should perform breast self-examinations every month. Learn how your breasts normally feel and recognize change.
The incidence rate of female breast cancer is highest among white women (113.2 per 100,000) and lowest among American Indian women (33.9 per 100,000). Yet, black women are more likely to die of breast cancer (31.4 per 100,000) than are women of any other racial and ethnic group.
What does it feel like?
A lump. What exactly does that mean? Ninety percent of breast cancer is characterized by:
A distinct, hard lump that feels like a hardened pea.
Does not move freely.
Anchored in the surrounding tissues.
Doesn’t hurt.
Usually occurs as only one lump in one breast.
As women, we need to be responsible for our own health. We tend to be the caretakers of our families, but let’s not forget ourselves. If you find something unusual, call your doctor. Don’t wait. (This article appeared in the October 1999 Missions Mosaic, WMU’s adult magazine. American Cancer Society contributed.)
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