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Breast Cancer: 1 in 8 women affected in their lifetime.
Be Breast Aware
Know your normal: Familiarize yourself with how your breasts look and feel so you can recognize any new changes.
Breasts naturally change throughout life and during your menstrual cycle.
- Most breast changes are not cancer, but it's important to have any new or unusual changes checked by a healthcare provider.
Mammograms and Breast Awareness Work Together
- Being breast aware is important, but it does not replace regular breast screening.
- Screening mammograms are the best tool available for finding breast cancer early, often before symptoms develop. Learn more about Screening mammograms
When should I see a Healthcare Provider?
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
- A new lump in the breast, or underarm
- Thickening or hardening of the breast tissue
- Bloody or clear fluid leaking from the nipple
- Changes in the breast size or shape
- A nipple being pulled in or pointing differently
- Redness, dimpling, puckering, or pitting of the skin that looks like an orange peel
Peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking of the area around the nipple
πNote: Do not wait for your next screening mammogram if you notice a new breast change. See a primary care provider for assessment.
Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your risk of developing breast cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled (modifiable risk factors), but others canβt (non-modifiable risk factors).
| π Non-modifiable risk factors include: | |
|---|---|
| π© Being a woman (breast cancer rates are much higher in women than men) | |
| π΅ Getting older | |
| π¨βπ©βπ§ Family history - have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with breast cancer. | |
| 𧬠Genetics (have genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2) | |
| π Have dense breasts. Learn more about Breast Density | |
| β’οΈ Previous chest radiation |
What can I do to reduce my risk?
While some risk factors cannot be changed, healthy lifestyle choices may help lower your risk and improve outcomes if cancer occurs.
| π | π₯ | π· | π | πΈ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stay active | Maintain a healthy weight | Limit alcohol | Avoid smoking | Routine screening |