An elevated level may indicate prostate cancer. Ultrasound imaging, a painless procedure that uses sound waves to take a picture of the prostate, is also being used. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The first leading cause is lung cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women aged 40 to 55.
Research shows that there are many breast cancer risk factors, such as age and family history.
However, there are a number of factors within a patient's control. Women who stopped using birth control pills more than ten years ago do not seem to have any increased risk. Women should discuss the risks and benefits of birth control pills with their doctor. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or swelling in the breast, skin dimpling or puckering, redness or scaling of the nipple or nipple turning inward, or leaking from the nipple other than breast milk. While most of these changes are not cancer, you should see your doctor if you notice any of them.