Breast cancer

Breast cancer may cause abnormal cell growth in one/both breasts. The cells can invade tissue nearby, form a tumor, spread to lymph nodes or other parts of your body. Risk factors you cannot change: your age and genes. Risk factors you can change: your weight, activity and hormone therapy after menopause.

Breast cancer can cause a painless lump or thickening in the breast/underarm to grow. It may also cause the skin to dimple, like an orange peel. Nipple changes; it may turn inward or look scaley.

At this time, there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer. But you can make personal choices that lower your risk of breast cancer.

• Talk to your doctor about your risk. Find out when to start having mammograms and how often you need one.
• Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Get plenty of physical activity.