This month is breast cancer awareness month, so I want to remind how important it is to learn and share more about breast cancer.
Let's get right to it: 5 of the most important things you need to know about breas cancer:
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Change In the Breast to Look for
A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area. A change in the size or shape of the breast. Dimpling or puckering in the skin of the breast . A nipple turned inward into the breast. Discharge (fluid) from the nipple. Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola (the dark area of skin at the center of the breast)
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It’s very common - Breast cancer Trends
In 2019, an estimated 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 62,930 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2019, it's estimated that about 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.
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3 Steps to Early Detection is Key
Early detection means finding cancer before it spreads. Breast cancer cannot be prevented, but early detection provides the highest possibility of successful treatment. There are three steps you can take to remain vigilant.
Step 1: Breast Self Exams- Click here to see how to learn how to give yourself an exam
Step 2: Well-Women exams - Be sure that you visit your General Practioner or gynecologist at least once a year for a well-women check-up that will check for lumps in the breast
Step 3: Mammograms- The National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends that women ages 40 and older get a mammogram every year. Be sure to set up an appointment with your general practitioner.
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It’s not just for women
About 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2019. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 883.
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You don’t need a family history
Although a woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Less than 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it.
Love your body, love your breasts!
Marcy Miller
