Health library

Breast cancer happens when breast cells begin to grow out of control. It occurs mainly in women but can also happen in men.

Is it common?

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in American women. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

How can I protect myself?

Screening can help find breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.

A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It can find cancer that is too small for you or your doctor to feel. Most women ages 50 and older receive mammograms every one to two years, depending on age. Sometimes the test is given starting at age 40.

Speak to your doctor to find out more about when you should receive one. Your doctor will ask you about your medical and family history. This will help both of you decide when to start mammogram testing and how often to repeat it.

You can also perform a monthly breast self-exam a few days after your period each month. For more information, visit nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam.

Let Kern Family Health Care (KFHC) help you schedule your next doctor's appointment and get up-to-date with your preventive care!

Call us at 661.632.1590 or 800.391.2000.

For more information, contact:

American Cancer Society: 800.227.2345 or cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html

Links for Life (Kern County leader in breast health): 661.322.5601 or linksforlife.org