Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to make your breast health a priority. Understanding the signs of breast cancer, recognizing changes in your body, and staying up to date with recommended screenings are important steps toward taking a proactive approach to your health.
The first step? Know your body, and pay attention to changes.
Know the Signs of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can present in different ways, and a lump isn’t the only sign to watch for. Changes worth discussing with a healthcare professional include:
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- Changes in breast size or shape, including swelling
- Skin changes, such as dimpling, redness, or a texture resembling an orange peel
- Nipple changes, including inversion, redness, or scaling
- Unusual nipple discharge, particularly bloody discharge
- Persistent breast or nipple pain
These symptoms don’t automatically mean breast cancer, as many breast changes have noncancerous causes. However, any new or unusual change should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. You don’t need to wait until your next routine appointment to bring up a concern.
Stay Up to Date With Recommended Screenings
Mammograms can detect breast cancer before symptoms become noticeable, making regular screening an important part of preventive health.
The appropriate screening schedule depends on factors such as your age, personal and family medical history, and individual risk. Talk with your healthcare provider about when to begin screening, how often to have mammograms, and whether additional screening may be appropriate for you.
Remember, you can have breast cancer without noticeable symptoms, which is why staying current with recommended screenings matters even when you feel healthy.
Make Your Breast Health a Priority
Taking a proactive approach to your breast health starts with staying informed, recognizing changes, and keeping up with recommended screenings. If you have questions about your breast cancer risk, are due for a mammogram, or notice an unusual change, reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss the next steps.
Make your breast health a priority year-round, and encourage the women in your life to do the same.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, screening, or evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
