I'm Too Young for Breast Cancer...

by: JenniferLeh

In 2004 I was pregnant with my second son. I had severe symptoms of bleeding from my right breast. My Ob/Gyn gave me a breast ultrasound and found nothing. We both let it go thinking nothing of it. After my son was born in 2005, the bleeding stopped. Then came the persistent and increasing pain.

Having this pain continuously was enough for me to go to my primary care doctor. He told me plainly it was caffeine, salt, or PMS related. It was nothing to worry about. I'm too young to have breast cancer.

It wasn't until I came to Dover, Delaware that I was taken seriously. A doctor thought it was strange that I had progressive pain in my breast for two years. She sent me into get yet another breast ultra sound. This was December 2006. The test showed something, but not enough to be conclusive. They then sent me in to get a biopsy.

The next day, I came in to see my doctor. Positive for Breast Cancer.

The point of this article is that you are at risk no matter what your family background is, no matter how old you are. There is always a risk. Even slightly!

Risk Factors

No one knows the exact causes of breast cancer, but research has shown that women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop the disease.

Risk factors for breast cancer include:

• Older age - Half of all women diagnosed are over age sixty-five
• Early onset of menses or late menopause
• Diets high in saturated fat
• Older age at birth of first child or never having given birth
• A personal history of breast cancer or benign (noncancer) breast disease
• A family history, particularly a mother or sister
• Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest
• Breast tissue that is dense on a mammogram
• Taking hormones such as estrogen and progesterone
• Obesity
• Moderate alcoholic intake - more than 2 drinks per day
• Gene changes - including BRCA1, BRCA2, and others

Symptoms

Generally, early breast cancer does not cause pain, but in some cases...like mine it can. Don't fall for this when they tell you that it does not cause pain. A woman should see her health care provider about breast pain or any other symptom that does not go away.

Common symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A change in how the breast or nipple feels
  You may experience nipple tenderness or notice a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area.
• A change in how the breast or nipple looks
  This could mean a change in the size or shape of the breast or a nipple that is turned slightly inward. In addition, the skin of the breast, areola or nipple may appear scaly, red or swollen or may have ridges or pitting that resembles the skin of an orange.
• Nipple discharge (Like umm...blood or such)

Early Detection Plan

An Early Breast Cancer Detection Plan should include:

• Clinical breast examinations every three years from ages 20-39, then every year thereafter.
• Monthly breast self-examinations beginning at age 20(Definitely do this!! I can't stress how IMPORTANT this is!). Look for any changes in your breasts.
• Baseline mammogram by the age of 40.
• Mammogram every one to two years for women 40-49, depending on previous findings.
• Mammogram every year for women 50 and older.
• A personal calendar to record your self-exams, mammograms, and doctor appointments.
• A low-fat diet, regular exercise, and no smoking or drinking.

In February 2007 I had a mastectomy with them taking out 2-3 of my lymph-nodes. I then had 8 weeks of chemotherapy. I still have more treatments to go through. At age 26 I'm having to face this. I don't wish this on my worst enemy.

I'm too young for breast cancer...........

Jennifer Lehman is a 26 year old from Anchorage Alaska. http://jenzfullerbrush.com is her Fuller Brush site. http://myspace.com/jennimoon81 is her personal website. She has two sons and is an Air Force Wife.