Tuesday, October 1, 2013

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

                                                                   
Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. Screening tests can find cancer early, when chances for survival are highest.
1. Know your risk
             Talk to both sides of your family to learn about your family health history
             Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer
2. Get screened
              Talk with your doctor about which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk
              Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
              Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40
              Sign up for your screening reminder at www.komen.org/reminder
3. Know what is normal for you
See your health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes:
              Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
              Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
              Change in the size or shape of the breast
              Dimpling or puckering of the skin
              Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
              Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
              Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
              New pain in one spot that doesn't go away
 4. Make healthy lifestyle choices
              Maintain a healthy weight 
              Add exercise into your routine
              Limit alcohol intake
              Limit menopausal hormone use
              Breastfeed, if you can
From the Susan G Komen website
Image by scottchan/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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