Why is it important to find a lump or other breast abnormality early?
If detected early, breast cancer can often be treated effectively with surgery that preserves the breast, followed by radiation therapy. This local therapy is often accompanied by systemic chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy, depending on the size of the tumor and other factors. Five-year survival after treatment for early-stage breast cancer is greater than 98 percent. • I’m only 25do I need to worry about breast cancer? Although it is rare, breast cancer can occur in women under 30. Make an effort to find out if breast cancer has occurred in any of your relatives. If so, speak to your health care professional about a plan of action. A typical plan includes periodic breast self-examinations, an examination by a health care professional at least every three years, and regular mammograms beginning at age 40. Breast cancer incidence increases with age. One out of eight invasive breast cancers occur in women younger than 45, while two out of three invasive breast cancers occur in women a
