Breast Cancer

Women get breast cancer when cells in the breast don't grow right, and a tumor forms. Getting a mammogram (x-ray of the breast) can help find the cancer earlier, which gives women more treatment options and improves chances for survival. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic American/Latina women. Although breast cancer is diagnosed about 30% less often among women of Hispanic origin, it is more often diagnosed at a later stage (when the disease is more advanced) than when found in non-Hispanic women, even when access to health care is adequate. Lower rates of using screening tests like mammography among Hispanic American/Latina women is thought to add to this later diagnosis.

We do not know how to prevent breast cancer. There are things women can do to reduce their risk, such as limiting how much alcohol they drink. However, it's vital for women to take steps to find breast cancer if they have it:

• Women aged 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every 1-2 years. Talk to your health care provider.
• Perform a breast self-examination (BSE) every month.