Val Skinner Foundation

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Early Detection is Your Best Protection

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Recommends the Following:

  1. Mammograms every year starting at age 40. Women under 40 with a family history of breast cancer or other concerns should take with a healh care provider. Screening tests may be needed more often and/or started earlier.
  2. Clinical breast examinations by a health care provider at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year after 40.
  3. Breast self-exams every month starting by age 20.

Beneficiary Websites:
Click here to visit the Komen website >
Click here to visit the Cancer Institute of New Jersey’s website >

Q&A

Q: What is breast cancer?

A: Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the tissue divide and grow without the usual controls on cell death and cell division.

Q: Who is at risk for breast cancer?

A: All women are at risk for breast cancer. The two most significant risk factors are being female and getting oder. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no other known risk factors.

Q: What are the signs of breast cancer?

A: See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:

  • Lump, hard knot or thickening
  • Swelling, redness, or darkening
  • Change in size or shape of the breast
  • Dimpling or puckering of the skin
  • Itchy, scaley sore or rash on the nipple
  • Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
  • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
  • New pain in one spot that does not go away

Q: Do young women have a different type of breast cancer than older women?

A: Women under 40 are sometimes diagnosed with more advanced cases of breast cancer. This may be due to a delay in diagnosis, in part because young women may not be in a regular screening program. In these women, tumors are larger and their disease is more likely to have spread to the lymph nodes. However, more experts feel that the disease is not different in young patients, although this is the subject of ongoing research.

Q: I do not have insurance. Where can I get a free or low-cost mammogram?

A: To find out how to get a low-cost or free mammogram or to find a certified radiology center in your area, call Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Breast Care Helpline at 1-800 I'M AWARE (1-800-462-9273).