10 things to know about BREAST CANCER

Knowledge is power, and early detection of breast cancer is key. Here, must-know facts to help you be your own best advocate.

1 Breast cancer is common, and early cases are very treatable

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women (behind skin cancer), with more than 300,000 American women diagnosed this year. Thanks to screenings (such as mammograms, clinical breast exams, and MRIs), about 66% of cases are found when the cancer is easiest to treat-when it is found in its earliest, localized stages, the survival rate is 99%.

2 YOU SHOULD GET TO KNOW YOUR BREASTS

We used to be told to examine our own breasts monthly, but the rules aren't so rigid anymore. "We learned through large research studies that teaching women how to do a self-exam didn't reduce breast cancer mortality," says Susan Brown, R.N., senior director of health information and publications at Susan G. Komen. "Most women didn't do it even when told to." Instead, keep an eye out for any changes. "What we have found is that women notice breast changes in the shower or when dressing, or a partner notices. Being familiar with your breasts is what's important," says Brown.

3 STAY ACTIVE TO STAY HEALTHY

Researchers have found that regular physical activity not only is linked to a lower risk of breast cancer but also could help you recover if you do develop the disease. ("Regular" means 150 minutes of heartpumping movement a week, or about 20 minutes a dayit's doable!) "Scientific data is suggesting that the building of muscle mass and strength is important because it helps reduce inflammation, which reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence," says Dorraya El-Ashry, Ph.D., chief scientific officer at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

4 Over 40? Get checked!