Screening and Prevention of Breast Cancer
Women of all ages should know how their breasts normally look and feel. They should perform self-exams of their breasts regularly and report any changes to their health care provider.
Who should be screened:
Women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year, following breast cancer recommended screening guidelines. Women at a higher risk should discuss beginning mammograms at a younger age with their health care provider.
Causes
What causes breast cancer?
Women at a higher risk for breast cancer:
- Use alcohol and eat a high-fat diet
- Are obese or overweight
- Have never had children
- Smoke and are exposed to secondhand smoke
- Have used birth control within the past 10 years
- Are older (two-thirds of breast cancer diagnoses occur in women 55 and older)
- Have a family or personal history of breast cancer
- Have gene defects or mutations
- Are Caucasian and 45 years of age and older
- Have dense breast tissue
Breast cancer in younger women
Can you be a risk for breast cancer at a younger age?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established Bring Your Brave to help women younger than age 45 to know their risk for breast cancer and get information about how to be proactive about breast health.
Visit the CDCPrevention & help resources
Nurse Navigators
Delaware nurse navigators can help you get screened for cancer.
Whether you have insurance or not, Delaware nurse navigators can help you get screened for cancer and provide follow-up help when you get your results. Choose from the list below to call a nurse navigator directly, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., or click the call request button to have a nurse navigator contact you.
- Bayhealth: 302-566-1202
- Beebe Healthcare: 302-297-8342
- Christiana Care: 302-261-8719
- TidalHealth: 302-604-5243 ext. 3765
- Saint Francis Hospital: 302-504-6732
- Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition: 302-672-6435 ext. 1002
Helpful links
Quit Smoking
There are two ways to get help to quit smoking from specially trained counselors: Call the Delaware Quitline by phone at 1-866-409-1858 or visit QuitSupport.com.
Learn moreHealthy Living
Live better. Our Healthy Lifestyle Map will show you where you can find fresh local produce at farmers’ markets and how to stay active at local fitness centers and parks.
View Healthy Lifestyle MapActivity Lowers Your Risk for Certain Cancers
Access the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Physical Activity and Cancer chart to see how regular physical activity can lower your risk for eight cancers.
Learn more