What You Need to Know This Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We’re sharing information on breast cancer screening and how you can help raise awareness about breast cancer. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. However, with the right knowledge you can care for your breast health.

Breast Cancer screening can help catch breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. To determine which screening option is best for you, contact your doctor. The most common and best breast cancer screening tool is the mammogram, which is an x-ray of the breast. Having regular mammograms can help reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. Regular mammograms also help catch breast cancer early.

Another breast cancer screening tool is the Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which uses magnets and radio waves to take pictures of the breast. Breast MRI is often used in combination with a mammogram for women who are at high risk for getting breast cancer.

Another breast cancer screening method is the clinical breast exam. In a clinical breast exam, a doctor or nurse will use their hands to feel for any lumps or changes in breast tissue.

Lastly, breast self-awareness and breast self-examinations are also very important. Familiarizing yourself with how your breasts look and feel can help you notice symptoms such as lumps, pain, or changes in size that may be of concern. You should report any changes to your doctor or healthcare provider. For more information on breast cancer screening, visit the CDC.

To help raise awareness about breast cancer, share these breast cancer screening options with the women in your life. Making sure everyone is educated and performing regular breast self-examinations can help catch breast cancer at an earlier stage.

Visit the American Cancer Society to learn more about Breast Cancer and the National Breast Cancer Association to donate toward breast cancer research.

ExperCARE is here for you. Open 7 days a week and accepting insurance, we are your hometown healthcare solution. Walk-in or schedule an appointment.