Christina Applegate Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Actress Christina Applegate, perhaps best known for her role as Kelly Bundy on the sitcom Married with Children, has been diagnosed with early breast cancer. Her rep issued a statement saying that by her doctor's recommendation underwent an MRI, which detected the breast cancer. It was also noted that her condition is not life threatening. No further details have been released.

Applegate is just 1 of over 180,000 American women that will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Early detection is key with any type of cancer, especially breast cancer. Women in their 20's and 30's can do so by performing monthly breast self exams combined with a clinical breast exams every two to three years by their doctor. At age 40 women should begin having a regular mammogram to screen for breast cancer. Women who are at higher risk of breast cancer should begin screening earlier, as recommended by their doctor.

More About Breast Cancer

• Breast Cancer - The Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Breast Cancer
• Breast Cancer Site at About.com