Because early detection is a woman's best defense against breast cancer, our Center devotes many resources to educating women about the disease. Through educational initiatives and community events such as our annual Walk for Life, we're spreading the word about the importance of breast self-exams, mammograms and research.

The most common malignancy in women is breast cancer. Nationally, about 175,000 women develop breast cancer every year. Annually, approximately 30 percent of those women die from the disease. But when breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is greater than 95 percent.

Like all cancers, breast cancer is a disease of the body's cells. Cells in the body normally divide at a regular, steady rate. New cells form and take the place of old or injured cells. However, the cells sometimes divide abnormally, growing rapidly and forming a lump. The lump, also called a tumor, can be either benign or malignant.

Benign tumors are not cancerous and do not invade surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous. These cells can invade surrounding tissue and spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.

Breast cancer generally is grouped into two categories: lobular carcinomas and ductal carcinomas. Lobular carcinomas originate in the small sacs in the breast that produce milk. Ductal carcinomas, the more common, begin in the lining of the ducts that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple. Within these two categories there are many more specific types of breast cancer. Seventy-five percent are invasive ductal cancers or combinations of invasive ductal cancers and other less common types.

Cancer origins remain one of the great mysteries of medicine; diet, lifestyle and genetics all may play a role in risk for the disease. What is known is that a woman in one of the following categories is at a higher risk of developing breast cancer and should have routine mammograms as recommended by her physician:

	Women older than 40;
	Women older than 35 whose mother or sister has had breast cancer.
	Women who have never been pregnant, or who first become pregnant after age 30;
	Women who have had cancer in one breast;
	Women who had an early onset of menstruation and a late onset of menopause;
	Women who are obese with excessive caloric and fat intake.

Do you have a mother or sister who has had breast cancer? If so, this could mean you are at greater risk for developing the disease. The process of determining the significance of a family history of cancer begins with a cancer risk assessment. A family tree is constructed to see who in the family has been diagnosed with cancer and what types of cancer they have had. Age at diagnosis and multiple cancer diagnoses also are noted.

If the cancer risk assessment shows a pattern of hereditary cancer, genetic testing may be an option. A blood test can help identify those individuals at higher risk versus those whose cancer risk is not increased.

Cancer genetic counseling helps make families aware of risks associated with hereditary cancers. For those who are found to have a higher chance of developing a specific cancer, the ultimate goal is prevention and early detection measures. Possible strategies include increased screening, nutrition and exercise guidelines, and sometimes, medical intervention.

To learn more click here to go the the Research Highlights on the South Carolina Cancer Center site.

Breast cancer typically has no symptoms, but it is possible to have pain. Any change in the breast should be checked out. As the cancer grows, however, it can cause these general symptoms:

As in many cancers, fatigue, loss of appetite, and loss of weight are common symptoms.

Monthly breast self-exams along with mammography at recommended intervals are essential for early detection of breast cancer. Not sure about how to do a breast exam? Refer to the following examination guidelines. 

Step One ... in the shower
Stand in the shower and with fingers flat (don't use the tips of your fingers) move your hand gently over every part of each breast. Check for lump, knot or thickening. Use right hand for left breast, left hand for right breast.

Step Two ... in front of a mirror
With your hands at your sides, visually check for lumps and depressions. Then, placing your palms on your hips, press down firmly, flex your chest muscles and check again. Don't worry if your breasts don't match.

Step Three ... in front of a mirror
Now raise your arms overhead. Look for changes in the contour of each breast as well as swelling or dimpling of the skin and changes in the nipple.

Step Four ... lying down
To examine your right breast, place a pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder and, with elbow bent, lay your right hand on your forehead. Do the same procedure for the other side.

Step Five ... lying down
With fingers flat, use your left hand to press an imaginary clock face on your right breast. Check for lumps or depressions. A ridge of firm tissue in the lower ridge is normal. Move in an inch toward the nipple and make the same circling motion again and again until you reach the center. Repeat with right hand, left breast.

Step Six ... lying down
Gently squeeze the nipple of each breast. Check for any discharge, clear or bloody. Report any lumps, thickening or discharge you discover during this examination to your doctor immediately.

 

 

One of Palmetto Health's signature community events is the First Ladies' Walk for Life, a community awareness and fund-raising event sponsored by the South Carolina Comprehensive Breast Center. The Walk, first held in 1991, was organized in memory of those who lost their battle with breast cancer and to honor the women and men who have survived the disease. The goal is to remind people that the first step in the fight against breast cancer is life-saving early detection methods at home through breast self-examination. Net proceeds from the walk are used to fund breast cancer education, early detection efforts, patient support and research. Each year, the event is held during October in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.The walk begins and ends at Finlay Park (new route!). Both individuals and teams are encouraged to walk. South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford and City of Columbia first lady Beth Coble serve as co-marshals for the Walk for Life.

Click here for information on this year's Walk for Life.

For more information about participating, volunteering or sponsoring Walk for Life, call the Palmetto Health Foundation at (803) 434-7275 or e-mail the Walk Coordinator.