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HHS Releases Update of "Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide
for Women"
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary
Kathleen Sebelius announced today that the HHS National Institute of
Health (NIH) National Cancer Institute (NCI) has released its
updated booklet in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month,
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. 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 Secretary Sebelius. “Other than skin
cancer, breast cancer is still the most common type of cancer 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.
However, not all women who would benefit from regular screening
mammograms get them. In 2005, only 67 percent of women aged 40 and
older had a mammogram within the past 2 years, and these rates
represent a drop in screening since 2003.
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.
This booklet:
- Encourages women to follow-up with their health care provider
about any breast changes
- Addresses possible mammogram results that women may receive
- Helps women learn about follow-up tests that are used to diagnose
breast changes
- Enables women to learn about specific breast conditions and how
they are treated
- Reassures women that most breast changes—even those described as
‘abnormal’—are not cancer
The booklet also includes worksheets for women to use to collect
their personal and family medical history, information about breast
changes or problems they have experienced, and questions for their
health care 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 or
online at www.cancer.gov by clicking on “NCI Publications” in the
Quick Links box.
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