Breast cancer is a disease with world-wide impact that affects a large number of women over 50 years of age. It is also the cancer that produces the greatest number of deaths in almost all the countries. One million new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed world wide in 2012. In 2011, in the United States, 207,090 new cases were diagnosed with breast cancer of which 39,840 people died from this disease. This pathology is almost exclusive in women though approximately .8% to 1.0% of the cases are attributed to men.
Breast cancer is diagnosed in more frequently in white women compared to Hispanic women, but Hispanic women are frequently diagnosed in more advance stages. Genetics play a part in 7% to 10% of the breast cancer cases. A few other conditions have been discovered to increase the risk of developing the disease like having your first menstruation before 12 years old, or having your last menstrual period after the 55 years old, previous breast biopsy, previous irradiation of the breast, dense breast tissue, alcohol use, obesity after menopause, not having had children, use of hormone therapy, use of oral contraceptives and smoking.
The practice of self-breast exam and receiving a clinical breast exam starting at 18 years of age and a mammography screening starting at age 40 , has been found to be beneficial in the fight to prevent breast cancer because these basic steps lead to early detection. Women can actively participate in the early detection of breast cancer by knowing their breasts and then notifying their medical provider if they find any abnormal changes. This is especially important since we know that early detection can improve the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. There are many agencies in Colorado that are working actively to educate and help women get screened at a low cost or even for free! For more information or to receive a free class about breast health in your home, organization or church, call Clínica Tepeyac at 720-274-2919.
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