Aside from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women in the US. 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new cases of female cancer each year are caused by it. Women in their middle years and older tend to develop breast cancer. At the time of breast cancer diagnosis, the average age is 62. Stick around to learn more about Breast Cancer, with Dr. Kre, a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician that specializes in what’s important to you through her tip and educational settings!
There are times where if you have breast cancer, chemotherapy may not be necessary for you; instead, you may only need to take medication. Chemotherapy isn’t always recommended in some early-stage breast cancer patients because of their low risk of recurrence. Although Chemotherapy can save the lives of some patients. Most of the time, doctors are unable to distinguish between different patients. But stages 1 and 2 are typically considered early stages of breast cancer. Cancers in these stages haven’t gone past the breast or adjacent lymph nodes.
With that, here are 5 more things to know about Breast Cancer:
- Breast Cancer Does Not Hurt – Contrary to what most people think, breast cancer usually does not hurt. The closest way it can be described is that it genuinely feels like a rock.
- Get a Mammogram – You need to get your mammogram every year. Mammograms are used by doctors to look for breast cancer early symptoms. The best test available to doctors to detect breast cancer early, often up to three years before it can be felt, is a regular mammography.
- All About the Nipples – If you have any liquid that is discharged from your nipple, either it be the color clear, white, yellow, or greenish, it is best to take a look at that and observe. Another thing is if your nipples start retracting or if they start to sting. These can all be signs of breast cancer.
- Conduct a Monthly Check-up – Always check your breasts for any lumps or bumps. Just put one arm over your head while standing in the shower and gently massage the breast on that side. Then, gently slide your hand over your breast while feeling for any lumps or thickened areas using the flat surface of your fingers—not the tips.
- Men can get Breast Cancer – Breast cancer can be hormonal. It can be genetic. So when men feel an abnormal lump in their breast, it is not something we should take lightly.
About 264,000 women and 2,400 men are given the diagnosis of breast cancer each year in the US. The United States loses 500 men and 42,000 women to breast cancer each year. So we should know the basic information about it to understand that these illnesses are not to be taken lightly.
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
Other References:
Types of Cancer
Treating Breast Cancer
Breast Self Exam
Breast Cancer
