What You Can Do

Simply being a woman puts you at risk for breast cancer, but there are factors which you can control. These factors include alcohol use, the use of certain contraceptives, diet and many others. Please talk to your primary care physician to learn more about your risk factors.

Self-Breast Exams are an important part of maintaining good breast health! Setting a schedule to do monthly self-breast exams can help you monitor your breast health between visits with your physician. Certain changes in the breast can be a warning sign. Changes don’t necessarily mean you have cancer. It just means you should call your doctor to have it checked.

Breast warning signs include:

• A firm lump that feels different from the rest of the breast
• A change in skin texture (how it feels) or skin color
• A new dimple on the breast
• A newly retracted (pulled in) nipple
• Nipple discharge without squeezing the nipple
• Bloody nipple discharge

It is important to remember that no two breast cancers are alike, if you notice changes in your breast health it is best to consult with your primary care physician.

Learn More

To learn more about breast health, be sure to have conversations and annual physicals with your primary care physician. You can also learn more about breast cancer, risks and symptoms by visiting the American Cancer Society or the National Cancer Institute.