Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Know Your Risk, Know the Signs, Get Screened
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Know Your Risk, Know the Signs, Get Screened
Each October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder to learn about breast cancer, understand your personal risk, and stay up to date with recommended screenings.
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 270,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and about 42,000 die from the disease. While breast cancer is much more common in women, men can develop it too. About one out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States occurs in a man.
The good news is that screening can help find breast cancer early—sometimes before there are any noticeable symptoms.
Why Mammograms Matter
A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast used to look for signs of breast cancer. Mammograms can detect changes that may be too small to see or feel.
Finding breast cancer earlier can provide more treatment options and may make treatment more successful. Staying current with recommended mammograms and talking with your healthcare provider about your individual risk are important steps you can take to protect your health.
When Should You Get a Mammogram?
For women at average risk of breast cancer, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends getting a mammogram every other year beginning at age 40 and continuing through age 74.
Recommendations may be different for people who have a higher risk because of family history, genetic factors, previous breast cancer, or other health considerations.
The best screening schedule is not exactly the same for everyone. Talk with your primary care provider about when you should begin screening and how often you should have a mammogram.
Know the Signs of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer does not always cause symptoms, especially in its early stages. That is one reason routine screening is so important.
It is also helpful to know how your breasts normally look and feel. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice changes such as:
- A new lump in the breast or underarm
- A change in the size or shape of a breast
- Pain in an area of the breast
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
- Any other new or unusual breast change
Having one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer, but new or concerning changes should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Understanding Your Breast Cancer Risk
Anyone can develop breast cancer, but some factors can increase risk. Age is one of the most important factors, with most breast cancers diagnosed after age 50.
Other risk factors can include a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, inherited changes in genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, a personal history of breast cancer or certain breast conditions, and having dense breasts.
Not every risk factor can be changed. However, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, limiting or avoiding alcohol, and discussing the risks of hormone therapy with your healthcare provider may help lower breast cancer risk.
Knowing your family health history is also important. Share information about breast, ovarian, and other cancers in your family with your healthcare provider so they can help determine whether you may benefit from additional screening, genetic counseling, or other services.
What Does It Mean to Have Dense Breasts?
Breast density describes the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue compared with fatty tissue in the breast. About half of women age 40 and older have dense breasts.
Dense breast tissue matters for two reasons: it is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and dense tissue can make some cancers more difficult to see on a mammogram.
Your mammogram results will tell you about your breast density. If you have dense breasts, talk with your healthcare provider about your individual risk and whether any additional evaluation may be appropriate.
Advanced 3D Mammography at CCM Health
CCM Health offers 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, in Montevideo. This technology creates detailed images of breast tissue and is an effective option for breast cancer screening.
CCM Health’s mammography suite was designed with patient comfort, privacy, and safety in mind. Our experienced imaging team works to make the screening process as comfortable and convenient as possible while providing high-quality images and timely results.
If additional evaluation is needed after a screening mammogram, your healthcare team can help guide you through the next steps.
Make Your Health a Priority This October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink. It is a reminder to know your risk, pay attention to changes in your body, talk openly with your healthcare provider, and stay current with recommended screenings.
If you are due for a mammogram or are unsure when you should have your next one, make October the month you find out.
To learn more about mammography and Imaging Services at CCM Health or to discuss scheduling, call (320) 269-8877 or visit ccmhealthmn.com.