Why You Need To Be Aware Of Breast Cancer 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it is an important time to reflect

Here is why you need to be aware of and know the signs of Breast Cancer.

Breast Cancer Awareness

There’s a ton of information that comes out about Breast Cancer every October.  Information is so important because this is something that affects so many people.  Breast cancer has been known to be very prevalent among American women.  There is a 12% chance that a woman will develop breast cancer at some point during her life.  

Having an early diagnosis and recognizing the signs of breast cancer can help start treatment sooner and have it be more effective.  Because there is so much information and awareness out there, more women than ever before have been getting screened for breast cancer.  By detecting breast cancer earlier on, the outcome is more in your favor with how far technology has come and how much more we know now.  

What Are The Symptoms?

• Lump near the breast or armpit
• Swelling on or near the breast
• Irritated skin on the breast
• General pain near the breast
• Breast changing size and shape

What Are The Risks?

You are the most at risk of breast cancer if you are a woman over the age of 55.  There are other factors like family history that can also be significant for if you are at risk of getting breast cancer.  Uncontrollable factors just like genes are some of the things that you can start to learn about early on.  Some of the other risk factors include things such as birth control pills, how active you are, what you eat, having children, and your weight.  While all of these things does not mean that you will get breast cancer, it is important to be aware of all of the risk factors that are involved.  

Screening

Getting screened for breast cancer is the best way to detect it early on which can increase your chance of getting a favorable outcome.  It is important to talk to your doctor so you know which test and which options are right for you.