Breast cancer occurs when breast cells grow out of control and form a tumor in the breast tissue. The cancer lives off of other normal cells.As the cancer cells grow and multiply, they make a tumor within the breast. If left untreated, the tumor will grow and spread in the body.
Did you know...?
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women age 15-54.
Between 1999 and 2003, breast cancer killed an average of nearly 900 women in Cook County each year.
While white women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer.
Warning signs of breast cancer include.:
A change in the look or feel of the breast.
A change in the size or shape of the breast.
Lump or thickening in the breast, the area surrounding the breast or the underarm.
A warm sensation in the breast.
A change in the look or feel of the nipple.
The nipple is turned inward or sunken into breast.
The shape of the nipple becomes irregular.
There is a rash on the nipple or areola.
Nipple tenderness, increased sensitivity or pain.
Nipple discharge.
Blood or fluid other than breast milk secreted from the nipple.
A change in the look or feel of the skin on the breast, nipple, or areola.
Dimpling of the skin on the breast (looks like the skin of an orange).
Irritated, red, scaly, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola.
Breast pain.
Breast cancer detection
If you are age 20-39, you need a:
breast self exam once a month.
clinical exam at least every 3 years.
If you are age 40 or older, you need a:
breast self exam once a month.
clinical exam once a year.
mammogram once a year.
Funding provided by Illinois Department of Public Health Office of Women's Health.
Dedra Ries
Unit Educator, Community Health
Cook County Unit
8751 South Greenwood
Suites 112-122
Chicago, IL 60619
Phone: 773-768-7779 FAX: 773-768-4818 dries@uiuc.edu
