Breast Health

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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

📌Note: 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, but others can’t. 

Risk factors that can’t be controlled include:

👩 Being a woman (breast cancer rates are much higher in women than men)

👵 Getting older

👨‍👩‍👧 Have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with breast cancer

🧬 Have genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2

🔍 Have dense breast tissue. Learn more about Breast Density

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. 

Healthy habits for breast health: