Princeton, NJ Health Care Guide Articles

Breast Cancer: Are You at Risk?

Breast Cancer: Are You at Risk?

The Fall months bring to us beautiful changes in the weather and
foliage.  One color that should always come to mind during this time of
year may not be found on the trees.  Pink ribbons should bring to our
attention the importance of early detection in breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women.  The
death rate associated with breast cancer has steadily decreased for
women since 1990 due to a combination of earlier detection and improved
treatment.

The earliest signs of breast cancer are usually an abnormality seen on
a screening mammogram before it can be felt by the woman or a health
care professional.  In addition to being female, advancing age is the
most important risk factor for developing breast cancer.  The risk may
also be increased by an inherited gene mutation (BRCA1 or BRCA2), a
personal or family history of breast cancer, or having dense breasts.
Various reproductive factors may influence a woman’s risk level.
Additional factors that may moderately influence a woman’s risk
include body weight, physical activity, use of hormonal replacement
therapy, and the consumption of alcohol.

The American Cancer Society supports the efforts of early detection for
breast cancer through a monthly self-breast exam, an annual clinical
breast exam, and an annual screening mammogram.  All suspicious lumps
should be biopsied for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate
treatment.

Learn more about breast cancer, screening guidelines and treatments at
Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center by visiting
www.hunterdonhealthcare.org.  Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center has
created a special breast cancer awareness page and a trivia
questionnaire on the website.  Simply answer the questions and
participants who score a 100% will be entered to win either a pink
cultured pearl pendant in sterling silver or a pink cultured pearl pair
of earrings and bracelet from the Christie Brinkley signature
collection.  Two winners will be awarded. All entries must be received
by November 30, 2010.