Awareness is the most vital 'tool' in the fight against breast cancer.

First step: Become informed.

We at LoveYourLook are dedicated to your good health. And that includes making sure you have access to what's true (and not true) about breast cancer. What the medical community does agree to is that early detection is saving lives. As women, we have to take action, do monthly self-exams, schedule physical exams and mammograms according to our physician's best advice. And we have to stay current with the advances being made in breast cancer treatment for ourselves and the women we care about.

Learn the facts:

How common is breast cancer?

Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. Screening tests can find cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

Monthly breast self exams are essential to your good health. Why?

Although self-exams are important, they are not a replacement for a doctor visit or mammogram. When it comes to breast cancer detection, doing more is doing good. Taking a few minutes to do a breast self-exam once a month can make a lifetime of difference. Nearly 70% of all breast cancers are found through self-exams and with early detection the 5-year survival rate is 96%.

Click here for the simple way to do your 10-Minute Breast Self-Exam.

What are some common signs and symptoms of breast cancer?

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

What are the types and stages of breast cancer?

TYPES: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/About-Breast-Cancer/Types.aspx

STAGES: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/About-Breast-Cancer/Stages.aspx

Are you at risk?

• Age and gender: The most proven and significant risk factors for getting breast cancer are being female and getting older.

• Family and heredity: Approximately 5-10% of breast cancers are due to heredity. The majority of women with breast cancer have no known significant family history or other known risk factors.

How often should you schedule a physical exam and mammogram?

• Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk.

• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk.

• Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40.

If I find a lump, how quickly should I act?

If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but don't panic—8 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous. For additional peace of mind, call your doctor whenever you have concerns.

What is the current rate of breast cancer in the US?

The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer sometime in her life is about 1 in 8 - that means that a total of 182,460 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. About 40,480 women will die from the disease this year. Right now there are about two and a half million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

Breast cancer death rates are going down. This is thought to be the result of finding the cancer earlier and improved treatment.

How is breast cancer treated?

Most women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer will undergo some of a variety of types of treatment for the disease. Breast cancer treatment depends on a variety of factors including:

• The size of the breast tumor

• Location of the tumor

• The stage of the cancer

• Results of laboratory tests (such as hormone receptor or gene analysis).

The majority of women with breast cancer will undergo surgery as part of their cancer treatment. The standard types of breast surgery include lumpectomy and mastectomy. In addition to surgery, some women will receive additional treatment to stop cancer growth, spread, or recurrence. Additional therapies include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and drug treatments. Occasionally women may be treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or drugs without having breast surgery.

What are the facts about breast reconstruction after surgery?

Breast reconstruction is an option for many women who have undergone breast cancer surgery. Since there is a great deal to know about reconstruction, we suggest you take the time to get all the facts, risks and rewards. You can download a copy of Mentor's comprehensive brochure, "Breast Reconstruction Options." Please click here to download "Important Information for Reconstruction Patients about Mentor MemoryGel™ Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants."

What are some myths about breast cancer?

Find out at http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/About-Breast-Cancer/Myths.aspx

We have tried to cover the key questions that women ask about breast cancer here. To get other questions answered, visit these excellent sites. And be sure to visit again on a regular basis to learn the latest facts about breast cancer.

• www.networkofstrength.org (formerly Y-ME): Practical and emotional support for women who've been diagnosed with breast cancer.

• www.komen.org: A national support group with local organizations.

• www.nationalbreastcancer.org: A great go-to resource for diagnostic and treatment data.

A final word from Mentor Corporation about breast cancer and you:
Do your 'homework.' Access the best information possible.
Take action if necessary.