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What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Saudi women. Screening can find it early, before you notice any symptoms. In many cases, finding it early makes it easier to treat or cure.4,3
Changes to look for
1A lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
2A change in breast skin, like dimpling similar to orange peel
3A change in breast skin colour, darker or redder than usual
4A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
5Fluid from your nipple when not pregnant or breastfeeding, maybe with blood
6A change in your nipple, such as turning inwards or a rash
What raises the risk?
- Anyone can get it, and the cause is not always clear.2
- Being older, and having dense breast tissue.2
- Family members who have had breast or ovarian cancer.2
- Higher hormone levels over your lifetime. For example, periods starting early, or menopause starting late.2
What you can do
- Check your breasts regularly so you know what is normal for you. Self-checks do not replace screening mammograms.1,3
- See a doctor about any unusual change in your breasts or nipples. Many changes have other causes, but get them checked.1
- From age 40, have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years. Ask your doctor about the benefits and downsides of screening.4,3
- If breast cancer runs in your family, start screening from age 30. Also ask your doctor about genetic testing.4,2
- Exercise daily and eat plenty of vegetables and fruit. Keep a healthy weight.4,2
- If you smoke, try to quit.2
Having no symptoms does not mean having no disease.
A mammogram is a quick X-ray that finds lumps too small to feel.4,3
The printed version has space to write your dose and your next appointment.