While regular mammograms are normally recommended for women over 40, all women need to be aware of the risk factors for breast cancer and methods of early detection, according to Maria L. Milian-Menendez of the University of California at San Francisco.
Milian-Menendez taught women about breast cancer and self-examination Tuesday at "Flores y ademas ... un mamograma!", a program sponsored by SF State's Student Health Service, La Raza Studies Association, and UCSF's "En Accion Contra el Cancer."
The event, held at CARECEN (Central American Refugee Center) in the Mission District, was offered to more than 40 women who were relatives of SF State students who were over 40 years old and had no health insurance for a fee of only $1.
Women should perform breast self-examinations once a month, at the same time every month, according to Milian-Menendez, a research associate who teaches members of the Latino community about early detection of breast cancer.
At the event, Milian-Menendez used a silicone breast model containing realistic lumps to represent cysts and tumors, so women would learn what to look for. Speaking in both Spanish and English, she demonstrated how to perform a breast examination.
She gave the model to a patient, who timidly tried to imitate Milian-Menendez's motions. Milian-Menendez took her hand and made her apply more pressure to the model while showing her the motion to be used.
Regular exams allow women to get into the habit and be familiar with their body. Also, the earlier breast cancer is found, the higher the survival rate. The National Cancer Institute says 75 percent to 90 percent of all breast cancers are found by women themselves.
Breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, if detected early, according to the institute. When breast cancer is caught in the earliest stages, and the disease has not spread, the five-year survival rate is better than 90 percent. The rate drops to 70 percent when the disease has spread to the axillary (underarm) lymph nodes, and 19 percent when the disease has spread to distant sites in the body.
According to the American Cancer Society, a woman performing a breast examination should lie down with a pillow under her shoulder and place that arm behind her head. Using the finger pads of the three middle fingers of the other hand to feel the breasts for lumps or thickening. This procedure should be performed on both breasts.
Two common mistakes women make in doing self-exams are not applying enough pressure and missing parts of the breast when they are moving their hand, according to Milian-Menendez.
Other changes to look for include wrinkles or dimpling, redness, swelling not caused by menstruation, changes in the nipple, or discharge from the nipples.
The American Cancer Society, as well as health professionals at the event, advise women to visit their doctor if they find anything suspicious or abnormal.