Breast Cancer Facts: Screening and Early Detection

Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection

Early breast cancer rarely produces symptoms, so it is possible to have breast cancer for some time and not know it. This is why screening, or testing, for breast cancer is important. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances are for successful treatment.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends the following screening methods for the early detection of breast cancer:

  • Mammograms: A mammogram is a type of X ray that screens for breast disease. The ACS recommends that women age 40 and older have yearly mammograms. Women with an increased risk of breast cancer may need to begin having mammograms at an earlier age.
  • Clinical Breast Exams: Your healthcare provider can perform clinical breast exams. This involves looking at and feeling the breasts and underarm areas to screen for lumps or other problems. The ACS recommends that women in their 20s and 30s have clinical breast exams at least every 3 years. Women age 40 and older should have these exams yearly, and women with an increased risk of breast cancer may need to have clinical breast exams more often.
  • Breast Self-Exams: Breast self-exam (BSE) involves examining your breasts on your own at home, checking for things like changes in your breasts, lumps and nipple discharge. Your healthcare provider can teach you how to perform a BSE. The ACS recommends that women begin performing BSE in their 20s on a regular basis. Women with an increased risk of breast cancer may want to perform these exams more often and at an earlier age.

Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Proper screening may help catch breast cancer before symptoms occur. However, sometimes breast cancer is missed, even with screening. The following are some common symptoms of breast cancer. If you experience any of these breast cancer symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately.

  • A new mass or lump. The mass or lump may be painless or tender, hard or soft, with rounded or uneven edges.
  • Swelling
  • Irritation or dimpling in the skin
  • Nipple turning inward
  • Nipple pain or discharge other than breast milk
  • Lump in the underarm or surrounding area
  • Scaliness or redness on the skin or nipple

Learn more Breast Cancer Facts On Our Diagnosis and Treatment Options Page.



IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Taxotere® treatment can cause serious, physically limiting, and potentially life-threatening side effects, such as infection, low blood-cell counts, allergic reaction, and retention of excess fluid (edema).

Taxotere® should not be given to patients with low white–blood-cell counts, abnormal liver function, or a history of allergic reactions to Taxotere® or any of the ingredients in Taxotere®.

Before each Taxotere® treatment, all patients treated with Taxotere® must receive another medicine called dexamethasone. This drug can help reduce the risk of fluid retention (edema) and allergic reactions.

Taxotere® should be administered only under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of anticancer treatments. Appropriate management of complications is possible only when adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities are readily available.

Treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplasia has occurred in patients given anthracyclines and/or cyclophosphamide, including use with Taxotere® in adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.

The most common severe side effects are low white–blood-cell count, anemia, fatigue, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation. Low white–blood-cell count can lead to life-threatening infections. The earliest sign of infection may be fever, so tell your doctor right away if you have a fever.

Other common side effects from Taxotere® include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, rash, infusion-site reactions, odd sensations (such as numbness, tingling, or burning) or weakness in the hands and feet, nail changes, muscle and/or bone pain, or excessive tearing.

Because of the potential risk of fetal harm, pregnant women should not receive Taxotere®. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with Taxotere®.

Before receiving Taxotere®, tell your doctor if

  • You have any allergies
  • You are taking any other medicines — including nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements

When taking Taxotere®, contact your doctor if

  • You have symptoms of an allergic reaction (warm sensation, tightness in your chest, itching/hives, or shortness of breath)
  • You experience any other side effects

Please see accompanying full prescribing information, including boxed WARNING.

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Taxotere® (docetaxel) Injection Concentrate Indications

Breast Cancer
TAXOTERE® is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior chemotherapy
TAXOTERE® in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with operable node-positive breast cancer

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
TAXOTERE®, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not previously received chemotherapy for this condition.

Prostate Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with prednisone is indicated for the treatment of patients with androgen independent (hormone refractory) metastatic prostate cancer.

Gastric Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, including adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, who have not received prior chemotherapy for advanced disease.

Head and Neck Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).