Breast & Cervical Health

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Although it often starts too small to be felt, breast cancer can grow and spread throughout the body, causing serious health problems and, sometimes, death.

Symptoms

Some women may not have any signs or symptoms of breast cancer at all. Some warning signs, though, may include:

• A new lump in the breast or underarm
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
• Redness, flaking, irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Pain in the breast or nipple area
• Any change in breast size or shape

Screening

Screening tests for breast cancer include:

• Breast self-exams
• Clinical breast exams
• Mammograms
• MRI may be used for women with a strong family history or other factors that make them more susceptible to breast cancer.

When to start screening and how often to be screened depends largely on a woman’s age, her family history, and other factors. Visit the American Cancer Society website to learn more about breast cancer screening tests and guidelines. For more information, review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website or call the City-County Health Department at 406-454-6950.