Learn More About Breast Cancer

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was created 25 years ago to help fund research for a cure.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States, behind lung cancer, and the fifth leading cause of death in women overall, according to the National Cancer Institute. Although rare, it can also occur in men.

In 2010, there were more than 207,000 new cases in women and almost 2,000 new cases in men. Nearly 40,000 women and almost 400 men have died of breast cancer this year alone.

Breast cancer forms in the tissue of the breast, usually in the milk ducts and glands. In its earliest stages, breast cancer cannot be felt and usually does not cause any symptoms. As it grows, a lump in the breast or under the armpit can often be felt. According to the Centers for Disease Control, other symptoms include thickening or swelling of part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast and pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area. Symptoms also include nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood, and any change in the size or the shape of the breast.

The best way to detect breast cancer is with a mammogram, an x-ray of the breast that is used to detect tumors, including ones that are still too small to be felt. Research shows that having regular mammograms lowers a woman's risk of dying of breast cancer.

Breast exams performed by health care professionals should be performed every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s, and yearly for women over age 40. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40, and continuing as long as a woman is in good health. All women should examine their breasts regularly so they know how their breasts normally look and feel. They should report any changes to their health care provider immediately.

The Baltimore County Health Department's Women's Cancer Protection Program provides free mammograms, clinical breast exams and pap tests for eligible Maryland residents. They also partner with the Breast and Cervical Screening Program through the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, to provide additional treatment to women who are newly diagnosed. Information can be found by calling 1-800-477-9774, or by visiting their website.

Franklin Square Hospital Center also offers ongoing free mammograms, breast exams and pap tests to women between age 40 and 65, who have no insurance and incomes of less than $25,525 for one person and $34,225 for a family of at least two. For more information, call 443-777-8138.