Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer
Cancer cells are abnormal cells. Cancer cells grow and divide more
quickly than healthy cells. Some cancer cells may form growths called
tumors. All tumors increase in size, but some tumors grow quickly,
others slowly. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body
through the blood and lymph systems. This is called metastasis.
Breast cancer is when cancer starts in the breast. Breast cancer can be
found by mammogram, by a woman feeling a lump or by a doctor’s
exam. To find breast cancer, it is important to:
• Do monthly self breast exams.
• Have a yearly exam by your doctor if you are over 40. These are
done less often for younger women.
• Have a mammogram each year after age 40.

Breast Tissue
A woman’s breasts may feel more firm and lumpy before menopause.
A woman has less estrogen after menopause, so the breasts feel much
softer and less lumpy.
The firm, lumpy tissue can hide a small lump making it hard to feel.
By checking your breasts each month, you become familiar with your
breast tissue and notice changes. Small lumps can also be found by a
mammogram or by a doctor during your exam. Some lumps are so
small that only a mammogram can find them.