Breast cancer is treatable. Knowing your body and following screening recommendations can help support early detection, and that can improve outcomes. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Health Department is providing information about breast cancer, detection, and screening so that we can help you manage your health.
What do I need to know about breast cancer?
Breast cancer develops when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. Although anyone can develop breast cancer, people assigned female at birth are at significantly higher risk for breast cancer than people assigned male at birth. In the United States, approximately 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, compared with about 1 in 755 men. Risk also varies with age, family history, genetics, and hormones.
How do I perform a self-check?
Familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel so you can recognize changes. That might feel silly or awkward at first, but getting to know your body can help you learn what is normal for you. Check your body regularly during a shower or while getting dressed.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation has created a step-by-step breast self-exam tutorial for guidance.
Look for changes, such as:
- A new lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm
- Changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture, including dimpling or redness
- New nipple changes or unusual discharge
If you notice a new or unusual change, contact a health care provider to determine whether further evaluation is needed. Self-checks are not a substitute for recommended mammograms or other screenings by a health care professional.
How do I get screened by a health care professional?
Breast cancer screening can help find cancer before symptoms appear. The right screening plan depends on your age, health history, and risk factors.
A health care provider may check your breasts and underarms for lumps or other changes. A mammogram, a special X-ray that takes pictures of breast tissue, is the main test used to screen for breast cancer. During the procedure, each breast is pressed between two plates. The pressure may feel uncomfortable, but it usually takes only about 30 seconds to complete.
For women at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends a mammogram every year starting at age 40. People at higher risk may need to start screening earlier or have additional tests.
Mammograms are available by appointment for patients of the Health Department’s health clinics. For more information, call 215-685-5488.
Talk with your health care provider about which screening options are right for you. If you notice a new or unusual breast change, contact a provider even if you recently had a mammogram.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment to learn about your risk, become familiar with your body, and talk with a health care provider about the screening options that are best for you.
