Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in the U.S. today, and all women are at risk, including you!

Even though there is no certain way to prevent breast cancer, you can still protect your health by establishing an early detection program.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast start to grow abnormally in an uncontrolled manner.

From our health library:

• Breast Cancer Overview
• Normal Structure and Function of the Breast

Risk Factors

The risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. While having a family member, a mother or sister, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer may increase your risk, 90 percent of breast cancers occur in women with no family history of the disease. Here are some important guidelines to help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

• Maintain a low-fat diet - including fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Drink alcohol in moderation - if at all - Regular use of even a small amount of alcohol - liquor, beer or wine- has been shown to increase breast cancer risk.
• Exercise regularly - Work out, do aerobics, bike or walk briskly—exercise to raise your heart rate, three or more times a week. Several studies have shown that regular, vigorous exercise can reduce breast cancer risk.
• Know your family history - A history of breast cancer or other cancers in a close relative may influence your own risk. Discuss this with your doctor.

From our health library:
What Increases Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

Symptoms

Early breast cancer is often detected by a mammogram before any symptoms are present. Here's what to look for when giving yourself a breast examination.

• Any change in the breast such as the development of a lump or swelling.
• Skin irritation or dimpling.
• Nipple pain or retraction (turning inward)
• Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin.
• Discharge from the nipple that is not breast milk.

Common Screenings and Tests

Because 90 percent of breast cancers occur in women with no family history of the disease, it is so important for all women to get regular mammograms.

Even though there is no certain way to prevent breast cancer, you can still protect your health by establishing an early detection program. Here's how:

• Perform a monthly breast self-exam, starting at age 20.
• Get a clinical breast exam. Women ages 20 to 40 should receive the exam every two years, and women 40 and older should be examined yearly.
• Get a mammogram. If you are 40 or older you should get a mammogram yearly.

Learn more about exams and tests:
Exams and Tests Overview
Self Breast Exam
Clinical Breast Exam
Mammogram

Treatment Options

Need help deciding on a treatment option?
Our videos discuss breast cancer diagnosis and treatment options in great detail.
View our Breast Cancer educational videos

Read more about treatment options:
Surgery
Decision Point: What type of surgery should I have to treat early-stage breast cancer?
Other treatment choices

Breast Cancer Notebook - a guide to treatment

A resource for women who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Here you will find information on how to understand your diagnosis, explanations of surgical options, radiation and chemotherapy, plus information on coping with your emotions.
A guide for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer