Updated Breast Health Guide Released

(October 22, 2009) - Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has released its updated booklet, Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide for Women. The guide addresses the concerns of women who notice a breast change or get an abnormal mammogram finding. (Read about "Breast Diseases & Conditions") It explains important next steps in testing, diagnosis and treatment when breast changes are found.

"One in 8 women will have breast cancer at some point in their life, but fewer women are dying from it because of medical advances in detection and treatment," said Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "Other than skin cancer, breast cancer (Read about "Skin Cancer" "Breast Cancer") is still the most common type of cancer (Read about "Cancer: What It Is") among women in the United States. This guide underscores the importance of regular mammograms and seeing a doctor when changes occur."

Use of screening mammograms, followed by timely treatment when breast cancer is diagnosed, can help reduce a woman's chances of dying from breast cancer. For women between the ages of 50 and 69, there is strong evidence that screening lowers this risk by 30 percent. For women in their 40s, the risk can be reduced by about 17 percent.

One reason some women may not undergo mammography is fear or misunderstanding of the screening process, results, or follow-up steps. Many women remain unaware that breast health issues are very common and most breast changes found on mammograms are not cancer.

By including quotes from other women and questions to ask their health care provider, the booklet helps women better prepare themselves for discussions with their health care provider. These discussions are critical to learning more about breast health.

The booklet also includes worksheets for women to use to collect their personal and family medical history (Read about "Family Health History "), information about breast changes or problems they have experienced, and questions for their healthcare provider about the next steps following the discovery of a breast change. In addition, it features a section on finding emotional support and a list of resources for women who want to learn more.

The booklet, Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide for Women, is available, free of charge by calling 1-800-4-CANCER.