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Nurses' Notes - Women and men need breast cancer awareness
By CHAR HOUSKA

May is Breast Cancer Awareness month for Montana. All women and men are at risk for breast cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime; 1 percent of breast cancers occur in men. Early detection of breast cancer can dramatically affect the type of treatment needed, and the earlier breast cancer is found, the better the outcome for a long and healthy life.

Breasts are made up of glandular tissue. Breasts are ever-changing because of the hormones in our bodies. These hormones fluctuate daily, thus our breasts change daily. Our breasts may produce lumps, inflammation and nipple discharge. These symptoms may also be a sign of breast cancer; however, about 75 percent of all breast lumps are not cancerous.

The most common breast lump in women ages 20 to 40 is called a fibroadenoma. This feels like a rubbery mass and is usually painless, but it can enlarge and become painful. This type of lump does not change size with a woman’s menstrual cycle. If it becomes painful, it can be surgically removed.

Another frequent change is called fibrocystic breasts. Signs of fibrocystic breasts include lumpiness, tenderness, cysts, areas of thickening, and breast pain. This usually occurs in women ages 35 to 50, can cause pain and is associated with the menstrual cycle. Many women with breast pain worry more about the fear of cancer than about the pain itself.

This type of pain is nearly always related to hormone levels. Some women begin to have pain around the time of ovulation, and it continues until the beginning of their menstrual cycle. Pain can range from mild to so severe the woman cannot wear tight-fitting clothing or tolerate close contact of any kind. Treatments may include a mild analgesic, warm compresses, sleeping bras, vitamin E, a low-fat diet and avoidance of caffeine.

Another lump is called a ductal papilloma and occurs most often in women ages 45 to 50. Women will notice a clear or bloody discharge from the nipple. This is usually not cancerous, but it needs to be checked out by your health care provider.

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells. The most common form of cancer occurs in the ducts of the breast. It is estimated to take five to 10 years for the cancer to grow before it can be detected on a physical exam. If the cancer is detected and treated early in its development, the outlook for complete recovery is excellent.

You should report any changes you notice in your breasts, such as discharge from the nipple, retraction of the nipple, inversion of the nipple, changes in skin texture or skin swelling, any lump, or if you notice a change in the superficial veins of one of your breasts.

Some guidelines for good breast health and for lowering your risk of breast cancer are to exercise 20 to 30 minutes a day, eat a low-fat diet with five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and follow the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for a monthly breast self-exam, a yearly mammogram and a yearly clinical breast exam.

Any unusual lumps - for men or women - should not be ignored; discuss them with your health care provider. Remember, you hold the key to early detection.

Char Houska is a registered nurse at St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center. Questions for our clinicians? Please send them to info@saintpatrick.org.
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