One in eight women has the possibility of developing breast cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.
October is breast cancer awareness month. Natasha Young, the public information officer for District 2 Public Health, said it is important to do breast exams on a regular basis.
“So as a woman, once you've had your cycle, you can go ahead and start feeling your breast for any lumps,” Young said.
Women are recommended to perform the self-checks in the shower, as it makes it easier to find any breast changes, according to Young. It is important to do a self-check after you have had your cycle because hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can cause lumps or swelling.
Monthly self-check-up exams can help with early detection. According to the Northeast Georgia Health System, possible signs to look for include:
● A painless lump or mass in or near the breast
● A change in breast size or firmness
● Breast skin changes such as dimpling, a sore, nipple itching, burning, rash, turning inward, or discharge
● Swelling under the armpit or of the arm
● A warm area in the breast
● Bone pain
Young said another way to check is to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to see if you are eligible for a mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that doctors use to help with the early detection of cancer.
“That is just dependent between you and your doctor. You just want to discuss with them what's best for you,” Young said.
If financial assistance is needed, most health departments have low-cost or free programs available.
“If you don't have a medical provider, you can contact your local health department and find out if you're eligible for our breast and cervical cancer program, which is a low-cost or free program that will help cover the cost of mammograms,” Young said.
It is also important to note that although rare, men can also get breast cancer. According to the CDC, men in the United States make up one out of every 100 breast cancer diagnoses.
Young said that it is important to be aware of family history and to know if someone in the family may have had breast cancer.
“Then it is possible that you might carry a gene,” Young said.
More information about breast cancer can be found on the CDC website.
