• Community Groups and Health Fairs: Our Breast Health Coordinator is available to conduct breast health education and awareness programs for community groups, health fairs and other events. We can also arrange for our mobile mammography van to conduct screenings. For further information, contact the Breast Health Coordinator at (609) 677-6010.
• Breast Health Signature Event: Join us for this special event held each fall – and bring your friends. You’ll enjoy:
  • Speakers on topics related to breast health and other issues of interest to women;
  • Free health screenings;
  • A merchandise boutique and auction.
  Watch for information posted on our Calendar of Events or call 1-888-569-1000 to learn more about AtlantiCare’s Breast Health Signature Event.

• Spirit of Women: This membership program brings woman in the Atlantic City area together for socializing and health education – including breast cancer awareness and support. We invite you to become a member.

What Causes Breast Cancer?

The truth of the matter is, it’s impossible to say exactly what causes a woman’s breast cancer. However, research has shown that some factors -- both genetic and environmental -- might increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer.

There are several factors that are widely believed to increase the risk of getting the disease. However, regardless of how high the risk is, it doesn’t mean that you’ll definitely get breast cancer in your lifetime. Conversely, even with no or low risk factors, there is no guarantee that you will avoid it. However, it’s always prudent and wise to reduce the risks wherever possible. Here are some good guidelines:

Breast cancer risk factors that you can control

• Having had more than one drink of alcohol per day
• Taking birth control pills for 5 years or longer
• Not getting regular exercise
• Using some forms of hormone replacement therapy for 10 years or longer
• Being overweight
• Being exposed to large amounts of radiation

Breast cancer risk factors that you can't control

• Getting older
• Family history of breast cancer
• Having the mutated breast cancer genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2)
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Starting your period before age 12
• Starting menopause after age 55

Source: National Cancer Institute, 1999

In addition to knowing and trying to control the risk factors that you can, maintaining good breast health starts by following good breast health habits. Medical professionals recommend an annual mammogram (diagnostic image of the breast) beginning at age 40; receiving an annual clinical breast exam from your doctor after age 40; and performing monthly breast self-exams beginning at age 20.

Monthly self-exams are especially important because it gives you another avenue to early detection, which is so important to increased survival should you have cancer. When performing a self-exam, you should be familiar with what’s normal for you (some women naturally have more “lumps and bumps” than others) as well as knowing what changes to look and feel for, such as hard, immovable lumps.

Visually examine your breasts in a mirror. Look for any dimpling, puckering, redness or swelling. Raise your arms over your head and check for any changes in size, shape or contour. Gently squeeze both nipples and look for any discharge. Report any changes to your physician right away.

Although age is simply your biggest risk factor, don’t live with a false sense of security by thinking you’re too young for breast cancer. ALL women -- young, older, pregnant, menopausal, large-breasted or small -- should practice good breast health habits for a lifetime.

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