Who is at risk?
Every woman is. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States. The chance of developing the disease increases from one in 230 by age 40 to one in 13 by age 70. Having a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer puts a woman at higher risk; however only 5-10% of breast cancers are due to heredity.
Race is not considered a risk factor, yet African American women have the highest rate of death from breast cancer-higher than any other race or eth nic group. Fear, lack of awareness about early detection, money, lack of access to mammograms, or even the health care system itself, contribute to what is often the root cause of breast cancer deaths in the community: late diagnosis.

The earlier cancer is detected, the greater the chance of survival. In fact, when breast cancer is confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is over 95%. However, when breast cancer is found at more advanced stages, it is more difficult to treat, and survival rates are lower. Today, too many African American women are diagnosed with cancer that is at a more advanced stage. Remember that early diagnosis is the key to long-term survival.

Taking Care of Yourself
The best thing a woman can do to survive breast cancer is to make sure that her cancer is detected as early as possible. All women over the age of 20 should examine their breasts monthly and have a clinical breast exam done by a medical professional every year. Women over 40 should also have annual mammograms. It's never too late to start having mammograms, and cost need not be an obstacle.

According to the Harvard Women's Health Watch, many women are reluctant to do breast self-exams because their fear of finding something outweighs the reassuring prospect of finding nothing. Our normal, healthy breasts are full of lumpy things-especially before or during menstruation -and most breast lumps are not cancerous. Identifying a suspicious lump from all the other lumps will be a challenge at first, but by conducting regular monthly self-exams you will learn to recognize what is usually there from what has changed. With practice, a suspicious lump will seem obvious in that sea of normal lumpiness. Breast tumors are most likely to occur in the upper part of the breast, near the armpit. Of course, if you find anything that causes you to be concerned, contact your health care provider.

Your doctor, nurse or community health worker can guide you through a self-exam. You can also check the resource section of this guide to find out how to obtain an illustrated self-examination card. Less than 15 minutes once a month is all it takes!
Beginning by age 40, both annual mammograms and clinical breast exams are recommended for early detection of breast cancer. Contrary to rumors women may have heard, mammograms are not excruciatingly painful. In fact, most women experience only slight pressure and/or minor discomfort. Even so, this bit of discomfort can save your life through early detection.

Most health insurance companies, including Medicare, provide coverage and waive the deductible for annual mammograms, generally starting at age 40. Low-cost or free mammograms are also often available. Call the Komen Foundation's National Toll-free Breast Care Helpline 1-800I'M AWARE(r) to find out more.