Breast Cancer

Other than certain types of skin cancer, breast cancer affects more women in the U.S. than any other type of cancer. In fact 1 in 8 women will develop the disease in her lifetime. The good news is, with early detection, breast cancer is beatable.

Breast cancer screening - checking for cancer before there are any symptoms - is one of the most important things women can do to protect their health. This includes monthly self-examination of the breasts; an annual clinical exam performed by a physician or other healthcare provider; and screening mammography.

The American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends:

• All women age 25 and older should have a formal risk assessment for breast cancer.

• Women with an average risk of breast cancer should start annual screening mammograms at age 40.

• Women with a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer should start annual screening mammograms at an earlier age and should be offered additional imaging each year.

Women should also know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast changes to a healthcare provider right away.

Women should discuss their personal risk of developing breast cancer, as well as benefits of screening mammography, with their primary care provider or ob/gyn to make a decision about what is best for them personally. King's Daughters encourages women to be their own best advocate when it comes to their health!