Friday, October 21, 2005 has been designated National Mammography Day in the United States. Women are encouraged to use this day as a reminder to make an appointment to get a mammogram. Mammography, which involves taking special x-ray images of the breast, is currently the best exam to screen for breast cancer and detect the disease in early stages when the chances for successful treatment and survival are the greatest.

The incidence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a very early form of non-invasive breast cancer, have increased sevenfold since 1980, according to the results of a recent study. At the same time, the number of cases of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), a precancerous condition that increases the risk of breast cancer has also increased. However, invasive DCIS rates have leveled off during this time period, suggesting that the increased use of mammography and improved breast biopsy techniques are contributing to an increase in breast cancer diagnoses.

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a very important part of every adult woman's personal health regimen. Regularly examining her own breasts allows a woman to become familiar with how her breasts normally look and feel and can help her more readily detect any changes that may occur. While most women are aware of monthly breast self-examination, many still do not know how to perform it properly. This newly updated article provides information on the benefits of breast self exam and explains how to perform the exam correctly.

A recent study finds that women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer can improve their chances of survival if they engage in light or moderate physical activity, such as walking a few hours a week. In the study, women who walked just one hour per week lowered their risk of dying from breast cancer, compared to women who exercised less than that amount, while women who walked 3 to 5 hours lowered their risk even more. Researchers say that the study results suggest an easy way that
women can improve their chances of surviving breast cancer.