Feel For Lumps, Save Your Bumps.
One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. This month, help spread awareness to your family, friends and colleagues on things they should know about breast cancer and what measures they can take to lower their risk.
Know the Symptoms
Symptoms of breast cancer can differ from person to person and some won’t have any symptoms at all. Here is a list of warning signs to be aware of:
- lump or node in the breast or armpit
- swelling or redness on part of the breast
- irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- peeling or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
- any nipple discharges other than breast milk
- change in the size or the shape of the breast
- pain in any part of the breast
While these symptoms can often occur and be unrelated to breast cancer, please consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Are You at Risk?
While some women may be more at risk than others, all women have the potential to get breast cancer.
Women who have a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, have dense breasts, are over the age of 50, or have certain genetic mutations are at greater risk of getting breast cancer. In addition, other factors such as being overweight, smoking and drinking alcohol can also increase your risk.
Check out the CDC’s Risk Factors for Breast Cancer for a complete list and helpful links. Although it is rare, men can also get breast cancer. The most common symptoms of breast cancer in men are the same as those for women. The CDC has more information about the risks and symptoms of breast cancer in men.
Prevention
The risk of developing breast cancer can be reduced with the following tips:
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Exercise does not have to be vigorous; something as simple as a brisk walk can help too.
- Avoid alcohol. Excessive consumption of alcohol increases the risk for breast cancer.
- Quit smoking. There are many reasons to avoid smoking, and decreasing the risk for breast cancer is one of them.
The most important thing in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is early detection. This month, take time to visit a diagnostic clinic for screening, detection and treatment.
