When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Every month

Do you know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer? Chances are the answer is yes, as women in the United States have a one in eight chance of developing the disease during their lifetime. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in New Orleans and throughout the United States, making it the perfect time to help educate others—and yourself—about the symptoms and importance of early detection. By increasing awareness, we can help women throughout the country protect themselves and know when to visit the doctor. The team at the Touro Breast Care Center is here to provide compassionate, comprehensive breast care to women in our community.

Know the symptoms

Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer for women in the United States, which means it’s essential for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms. You probably already know that a lump in the breast can be a sign of cancer, but many other symptoms can occur, including:

• Swelling or thickening of part of the breast
• Dimpling of skin on the breast
• Flakiness or redness around the nipple or other areas of the breast
• Pain in the breast or nipple
• Changes in breast shape or size
• Inversion of the nipple (turning inward)
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk) or blood

If you experience any unusual symptoms, visit your doctor right away. Although these symptoms can be caused by many other noncancerous conditions, it’s important to be evaluated as soon as possible. When breast cancer is diagnosed early, the chances of successful treatment are much higher.

Stay on top of screenings

Although it’s essential to know the signs of breast cancer, this doesn’t take the place of getting regular screenings. That’s because mammograms can detect breast cancer in early stages, before any symptoms are present.

For women at average risk of breast cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends the following screening guidelines:

• If you are between 40 and 44 years old, you have the option of starting annual mammograms.
• If you are 45 to 54, you should get a mammogram every year.
• If you are 55 or older, you can continue getting annual mammograms, or switch to every other year.

Regular screening should continue as long as you are in good health and expect to live at least another 10 years.

Women at high risk of developing breast cancer should begin screening earlier, typically at age 30. You may be at high risk if you:

• Have a strong family history of breast cancer
• Have, or have a parent, sibling or child who has, a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
• Had radiation therapy in the chest area between the ages of 10 and 30
• Have certain genetic syndromes

Talk to your doctor about whether you are at high risk and when to begin screening.

Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Although it’s important to stay vigilant throughout the year when it comes to early detection of breast cancer, October is the perfect time to check in with yourself and your loved ones to make sure you’re doing everything you can. Schedule your annual mammogram if you haven’t yet and remind your loved ones to do the same. Perform a monthly breast self-exam to check for any unusual symptoms. In addition, remember that taking care of your overall health by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and avoiding alcohol can also help lower your risk.

Show your support by wearing a pink ribbon, which is the symbol of breast cancer awareness. You can also help raise money for breast cancer research, treatment and cure by supporting online fundraisers (or start your own!), as well as fundraising events, such as walks and races.

Looking for convenient breast care and mammography services? Schedule an appointment at the Touro Breast Care Centertoday.