National Cancer Institute
National Institutes of Health
Revision made July 2000
Federal Consumer Information Center
www.pueblo.gsa.gov
Breast cancer is hard to ignore. It is the most common form of cancer
among American women, and almost everyone knows at least one person who
has been treated for it.
Understandably, women are concerned about getting breast cancer, and
this concern prompts them to watch for breast changes. Breast changes
are common. Even though most are not cancer, they can be worrisome.
This information is designed to help you with these concerns. It
describes screening for the early detection of breast cancer, explains
the various types of breast changes that women experience, and outlines
methods that doctors use to distinguish between benign (noncancerous)
changes and cancer. It reviews factors that can increase a woman's
cancer risk and reports on current approaches to breast cancer
prevention.
Please start at following web site for the information given below:
http://rex.nci.nih.gov/MAMMOG_WEB/PUBS_POSTERS/UNDRSTNDNG/STATUS.html
Table of Contents
Breast Cancer: Status Report
The Key: Early Detection
Mammography
Two Kinds of Mammography: Diagnostic and Screening
What Are the Benefits of Screening Mammography?
Who Benefits From Screening Mammography?
Who Is at Average Risk for Breast Cancer?
Who Is at Higher Than Average Risk for Breast Cancer?
What Are the Limitations of Screening Mammography?
How Mammograms Are Made
Reading a Mammogram
Reporting the Results
Mammograms and Breast Implants
Choose a Mammography Facility
Schedule a Regular Mammogram
Other Techniques for Detecting Breast Cancer
Clinical Breast Exam
Ultrasound
CT Scanning
Research on New Techniques
Gene Testing for Breast Cancer Susceptibility
About Breast Lumps and Other Changes
Types of Benign Breast Changes
Generalized Breast Changes
Solitary Lumps
Nipple Discharge
Infection and/or Inflammation
Benign Breast Conditions and the Risk for Breast Cancer
If You Find a Lump
Clinical Evaluation
Aspirating a Cyst
Biopsy
Tissue Studies
Deciding To Biopsy
Biopsy: One Step or Two?
Prevention Research
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
Glossary
Resources
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