October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about breast cancer, encourage regular screenings, and remind our community that early detection can make a difference.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. While there is no way to prevent every case of breast cancer, regular screening can help find breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.
Know Your Screening Options
Mammograms are an important tool for detecting breast cancer, sometimes before a person has any signs or symptoms. Your recommended screening schedule may depend on your age, personal and family history, and other risk factors.
Talk with your health care provider about when you should begin screening and how often you should have a mammogram.
Know Your Body
In addition to recommended screenings, it is important to be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. Talk with your health care provider if you notice a change, such as:
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast
- Changes in the skin, such as dimpling or redness
- Changes in the nipple or nipple discharge
- Persistent pain or another change that is unusual for you
Not every change is cancer, but it is important to have anything unusual checked by a health care provider.
Take Time for Your Health
Life can be busy, and it can be easy to put your own health on the back burner. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good reminder to make your health a priority.
If you are due for a mammogram, schedule your screening. If you are unsure when you are due, talk with your health care provider.
Early detection matters. Take care of yourself, know your screening needs, and encourage the women you love to do the same.