October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Almost everyone knows someone or of someone that has been affected by breast cancer.
Breast Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women.

Causes and Risks:

• Age
• Gender
• Family History of breast cancer
• Menstruation – early start of periods and women who have gone through menopause late appear to have an increased risk for breast cancer
• Genetics:  BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may have a common gene defect that makes a woman more susceptible to developing breast cancer.
• Childbirth: research shows women who have never had children or had children over the age of 30 are more susceptible to developing breast cancer.
• Alcohol Use
• HRT (hormone replacement therapy)
• Radiation

Symptoms (early breast cancer does not generally have any symptoms; later stages may include):

• Breast lump or a lump in the armpit
• Any changes in the feel of the breast of the size or shape.
• Fluid coming from the nipple.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation is an excellent place to receive more information, donate or become actively involved in the fight against breast cancer.

http://ww5.komen.org/AboutUs/AboutUs.html

We think you should check out the website often! We at Ib2C are dedicated to women’s healthcare and encourage every woman to continue to check at home by conducting a self-breast exam as well as at her doctors.