Breast Self-Awareness

Breast Self-Awareness

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends a 3-step approach to breast cancer screening that includes, depending a woman's age, a combination of mammography, clinical breast exams and breast self-exams.

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 it’s most treatable.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you:

• Know your risk
  • Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
  • Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer
• Get screened
  • Ask your doctor 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 20, and every year starting at 40
• Know what is normal for you
  • See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:
    • Lump, hard knot or thickening
    • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
    • 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
• Make healthy lifestyle choices
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Add exercise into your routine
  • Limit alcohol intake

The purpose of the South Florida Affiliate's education and community outreach programs is to:

• Raise public awareness about breast health and breast cancer;
• Increase breast cancer screening and early detection;
• Identify gaps in services that must be reduced to improve breast health; and
• Connect people with resources they need in their fight against breast cancer