IN MINUTES News and events — visually Fat Rib cage Nipple Muscle (pectoralis major) Dilated section (to hold milk) Lobes Ducts October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month SIGNS A lump in the breast Clear or bloody discharge from nipple Change in nipple, like pulling in of the nipple Skin dimpling or changes in skin colour/te xture A typical fullness, or change in shape of breast RISK FACTORS Weight: Being obese or overweight Diet/lifestyle: Lack of physical activity, a diet high in saturated fat and more than two alcoholic drinks per day Family history: A family history of breast cancer — particularly a mother or sister Age: Most women diagnosed are aged 65+ 65+ STAGES m o s t s e v e r e Stage 0 5-year survival rate: 100% Abnormal or precancer- ous cells are found in the lining of the milk lobules or ducts. The abnormal cells have not spread into nearby breast tissue. Stage 1 5-year survival rate: 98% Cancer cells have spread into the breast tissue, but not spread beyond the breast. The tumour is no more than 2 cm across. Stage 2 5-year survival rate: 88% The tumour is 2 cm or less and has spread to a small number of lymph nodes, or the tumour is 2-5 cm, but is not at the lymph nodes. Stage 3 5-year survival rate: 56-49% The diameter of the tumour may be smaller or larger than 5 cm, but has spread to the lymph nodes. The nodes start sticking to each other or to the surrounding tissue. Stage 4 5-year survival rate: 16% Regardless of the tumour size, the cancer cells have spread to the lungs, liver, brain, bones or other parts of the body. 23,400 5,300 Estimated number of women in Canada that will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. will die from it 450 On average, number of Canadian women that will be diagnosed with breast cancer every week. 102 On average, number of Canadian women that will die of breast cancer every week. Percent of all new cancer cases in women, 2011 Cancer cells may start within the ducts, which is the most common form (ductal carcinoma) or in the lobules (lobular carcinoma). The facts on breast cancer 28% In the shower With your fingers flat, move gently over the breast, using the right hand to examine the left breast and the left hand to check the right breast. Check for lumps, hard knots or thickening. In the mirror Start with your arms by your sides and inspect your breasts. Next, raise your arms overhead — check for any changes: Swelling, dimpling or changes in the nipple. Lastly, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex the chest muscles. Lying down Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. Flatten your left hand and press gently in small circular motions, covering the entire breast; use varying pressure. Squeez e the nipple to check for discharge and lumps. Repeat on the left side. HOW TO DO A BRE AST SELF-EXAM One in nine women is expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. One in 29 will die of it.