Every October, you will see an abundance of information about breast cancer. Awareness surrounding breast cancer is incredibly important as early detection. Take this month as an opportunity to spread breast cancer awareness to encourage more people who are fighting the disease.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. According to The American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, in its localized stages, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. 

Early Detection 

If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance of survival. Many healthcare providers state that early screenings for breast cancer save thousands of lives each year, and many more could be saved if more women were screened. 

The risk of women developing breast cancer in their 20s is low and gradually increases with age. No matter what age you are, women should report any changes in their breasts to their healthcare provider. 

Know your risk 

• Learn your family's health history. 
• Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer. 

Breast cancer screening 

The signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women. It is important to know how your breasts normally look and feel. 

• Have a clinical breast exam every year starting at age 20. 
• All women should have a risk assessment at age 30 to see if screening earlier than 40 is needed. 
• Women at average breast cancer risk should begin screening at the age of 40.
• Women with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer may also benefit from an MRI. 

While mammograms are the best screening tool we currently have, they are not perfect. When clinical exams, self-exams, and mammograms are combined, your chances of finding breast cancer are even greater and may also save your life. 

Steps for a breast self-exam 

Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider if you need help learning how to self-examine your breasts. 

• Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder 
• Use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to check your right breast 
• Press using light to medium pressure in a circular motion without lifting your fingers off the skin
• Follow an up-and-down motion
• Feel for changes above and below your breast and in your armpit 
• Repeat on your left breast using your right hand 

Know what is normal for you 

See your healthcare provider if you see any of the following breast changes:

• Lumps, hard knots, or thickening inside the breast or underarm 
• An itchy or scaly nipple 
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
• Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening of the breast 
• Change in the size of the breast 
• New pain in one spot that does not go away 

Common myths about breast cancer 

• MYTH: Young women do not need to worry about breast cancer. 
• MYTH: Women with no family history of breast cancer have no risk of developing breast cancer. 
• MYTH: Only women can get breast cancer. 
• MYTH: Lumps are the only sign of breast cancer. 
• MYTH: If I have a normal mammogram screening report, I don't need a mammogram next year.
• MYTH: Silicone breast implants increase the chance of developing breast cancer. 

It happens to men, too 

Although it is rare, men can get breast cancer too. About 1 in every 100 breast cancer diagnoses in the United States is found in a man. The symptoms are the same for a man as they are for a woman. 

How to lower the risk of breast cancer 

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