October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This month puts focus on the number one cancer-causing diagnosis among women in the US. After lung cancer, it is the leading cause of death for women. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Albeit alarming, there are things you can do to fight breast cancer. A woman can lower her risk by getting frequent breast cancer screenings. It is important for women who are 50 to 74 to get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 should talk to their health care professional about when and how often to get mammograms. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may need to get exams more frequently than others, again, consulting with a doctor first is best.
Also doing self-checks is also important. Knowing how your breasts look and feel can help you notice symptoms such as lumps, pain, or changes in size that may be of concern. If you notice any changes, you should report this to your doctor or health care provider.
Raising awareness and donating your time and money can help in the aid of cancer research to one day find a cure!
For more information about Breast Cancer and How to Raise Awareness: