One in nine women living in North America will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, second only to lung cancer. 43,500 women in the U. S. will die of breast cancer this year , 100 of them from Wyoming. The good news is that 67% of women diagnosed with breast cancer will be alive at 10 years (compared with 14% of women diagnosed with lung cancer alive at only 5 years!).

Risk factors for breast cancer include early age at first menses, late age at first childbirth, and late age at menopause. Family history of breast cancer is also important, especially if the cancer occurs in a close relative (mother or sister) at an early age (before age 50). Other risk factors include alcohol intake, radiation exposure and possibly fat intake. Exogenous hormones such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy cause little if any effect on breast cancer risk.

Prevention is the best medicine. Current recommendations include a yearly exam by your health care provider, and monthly breast self-exam. This is best done the week after your menses. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms beginning at age 40.

Consult with your health care provider if you have any of the above risk factors or need instruction on breast self-exam. Any new breast lump should also be evaluated by your health care provider. You can schedule an appointment for evaluation at Student Health Services by calling 766-2130.