Breast Cancer Symptoms and Prevention Tips

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Friday, September 7, 2007 4:26 PM CDT

(ARA) - Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women. The good news is that women whose breast cancer is found early often go on to live long, healthy lives. Over 2 million breast cancer survivors are alive in America today.

The exact cause of breast cancer is not known. Factors that can increase a woman’s risk include heredity, early puberty, late childbearing, obesity and lifestyle factors such as heavy alcohol consumption and smoking. But the biggest risk factor for breast cancer is age -- just growing older. Most breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50, and women over 60 are at the highest risk.





Breast cancer symptoms vary widely -- from lumps to swelling to skin changes -- and many breast cancers have no obvious symptoms at all. breastcancer.org, whose mission is to provide information and community to those touched by this disease, recommends that monthly breast self-exams be part of your regular health care routine, and you should visit your doctor if you experience breast changes. If you’re over 40 or at a high risk for the disease, you should also have an annual mammogram and physical exam by a doctor.





1-800-FLOWERS.COM is supporting the fight against breast cancer by donating a portion of the proceeds from sales of its Pink Ribbon Bouquet. Visit www.1800flowers.com to learn more.  





Courtesy of ARAcontent