Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Matters
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about breast cancer and remind people of the importance of taking care of their breast health.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States. While a breast cancer diagnosis can be frightening, finding breast cancer earlier can provide more treatment options and improve outcomes.
That’s why regular screening and conversations with your healthcare provider are so important.
Why Breast Cancer Screening Matters
Breast cancer does not always cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Screening can help identify changes in the breast before you can see or feel them.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is one of the primary tools used to screen for breast cancer. Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer earlier, when it may be smaller and easier to treat.
Your healthcare provider can help you understand when you should begin screening and how often you should be screened based on factors such as your age, personal health history, family history, and individual risk.
Know Your Risk
Everyone’s breast cancer risk is different. Some factors that may affect your risk include your age, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, certain inherited genetic changes, previous breast conditions, and other aspects of your personal health history.
Having a risk factor does not mean you will develop breast cancer, and people without known risk factors can still develop the disease.
That’s why it’s important to talk openly with your Infinity Health provider about your personal and family health history. Together, you can determine an appropriate screening plan for you.
Know What’s Normal for You
Screening is important, but so is paying attention to changes in your body.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you notice a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, changes in the size or shape of a breast, changes to the skin of the breast, nipple changes or discharge, or breast pain that concerns you.
Many breast changes are not cancer, but new or unusual changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional rather than ignored.
Don’t Wait for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October gives us an important reminder, but breast health matters throughout the year.
If you’re due for a screening, aren’t sure when you last had a mammogram, have a family history of breast cancer, or simply have questions about your breast health, talk with your Infinity Health provider.
Take time to take care of you.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Your health matters. Infinity Health is here to help you understand your risk, stay up to date with recommended preventive care, and take the next step for your health.
Schedule an appointment with Infinity Health today to talk about breast cancer screening and what’s right for you.
FAQs
When should I start getting mammograms?
When to begin breast cancer screening can depend on your age, health history, family history, and personal risk factors. Talk with your healthcare provider about when you should begin mammograms and how often you should have them.
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to look for signs of breast cancer. Mammograms can sometimes detect changes before they can be seen or felt.
Do I need a mammogram if I don’t have any symptoms?
Breast cancer screening is intended to help find cancer before symptoms develop. That’s why staying up to date with recommended screenings is important even when you feel healthy and haven’t noticed any changes.
What are some signs or symptoms of breast cancer?
Possible signs can include a new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in the size or shape of the breast, changes in the skin or nipple, nipple discharge, or other new or unusual breast changes. Many breast changes are not cancer, but you should talk with a healthcare provider about anything that concerns you.
Does having a family history of breast cancer increase my risk?
Family history can affect your breast cancer risk, particularly when close relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer. Tell your healthcare provider about your family history so they can help assess your individual risk and recommend appropriate screening.
What should I do if I’m not sure whether I’m due for a mammogram?
Ask your Infinity Health provider. They can review your age, health history, family history, previous screenings, and other risk factors to help determine what screening is appropriate for you.