Breast Cancer Awareness: It’s Not Just for October

Beating Breast Cancer

Although October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s crucial to not ignore monthly breast self-exams and a regular checkup with your gynecologist or primary care doctor.

Additionally, most medical authorities recommend having regular mammograms, starting at age 40. (This recommendation varies; some medical organizations recommend following different guidelines.) Women 30 years and older who have a higher risk of developing breast cancer are also recommended to undergo annual screenings.

After lung cancer, breast cancer is the leading cancer-related death among women. Fortunately, there has been a steady decline in breast cancer deaths in recent years, and that is linked to improvements in early detection.

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass in the breast that is usually painless. Less common symptoms include continual changes in the breast, such as thickening or swelling, tenderness, skin irritation or redness; or nipple abnormalities, such as ulceration, retraction or discharge.

Healthy Guidelines for Lowering Your Breast Cancer Risk

For other ways to lower your risk for breast cancer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:

• Getting enough sleep
• Limiting alcoholic beverages to one per day
• Keeping a healthy weight
• Exercising

According to the American Cancer Society, evidence is growing that physical activity in the form of exercise reduces breast cancer risk.

Learn more about women’s breast health at inova.org/women.