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What Every Woman Should Know: The value of early detection.

Competent monthly breast self-examination (BSE) is one of your best protections against breast cancer. It is now known that many breast cancers detected early enough can be treated by simply removing the tumor along with a narrow margin of healthy tissue.

In fact, breast cancer is generally among the easiest cancers to find at an early stage. Since your breast is an external and soft part of your body, it is possible to detect a tumor with your fingers, even when it is still hardly larger than a pea.

While women generally agree on the value of regular BSE, they do not always practice what they preach. Many do not know how to examine their own body, or they simply lack confidence. As a result, they needlessly postpone much-needed medical attention. MammaCare® was designed to solve exactly this problem.

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump. As a rule, the smaller the lump, the greater your chances of being treated successfully. Women unfamiliar with proper BSE techniques discover the tell-tale signs of cancer months and often years too late. The simply do not know how to "listen" to their fingers.

What you should know about BSE for your peace of mind

Breast cancer is a dreaded disease. Over 250,000 American women develop breast cancer every year. In addition, nearly 40,000 women will die from this disease. Every woman, regardless of personal or family background, age, or lifestyle is a potential victim. Almost twelve percent will develop it at some time in their lives. That is why it is so important that every woman should conduct a routine monthly self-examination, in addition to visiting her doctor, and, if recommended, having periodic mammography. For those willing to make the effort, here are some comforting facts.

8 out of 10:

About 80 percent of all breast lumps are benign. They may turn out to be simple cysts (hollow balls whose fluid can easily be drawn out by a hypodermic needle); papillomas (wart like growths in the nipple ducts); or various fibrocystic conditions which usually disappear after menopause. Remember that most breasts feel "lumpy" at times.

4 out of 5:

More than 80 percent of all cancerous lumps are found by women themselves. The better their training in BSE, the more likely that will happen while the lump is at an early stage.

9 out of 10:

More than nine out of ten women treated for early breast cancer will be alive and well five years later. The long range outlook improves with each year that passes without evidence of further growth. Monthly breast examinations, such as MammaCare®, as well as periodic medical check-ups and mammography are the best protective measures currently available.

Unfortunately, most tumors brought to the doctor's attention are an inch or more in diameter. At this size, the lymph nodes may also be involved, increasing the chances that the disease has spread to the other breast or other parts of the body. If you find a lump, see your doctor at your earliest opportunity.