Thanks to advances in early detection and treatment, more women are surviving breast cancer. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatment options there are and the greater the chance for survival.

Susan G. Komen’s breast self-awareness messages are:

1. Know your risk
   • Talk to both sides of your family to learn about your family health history, and
   • Talk to a doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer.
2. Get screened.
   • Talk with a doctor about which screening tests are right for you if you’re at a higher risk.
   • Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you’re at average risk, and,
   • Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and every year starting at age 40.
3. Know what is normal for you
   • See a doctor if you notice any of these breast changes:
     • Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area;
     • Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast;
     • Change in the size or shape of the breast;
     • Dimpling or puckering of the skin;
     • Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple;
     • Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast;
     • Nipple discharge that starts suddenly, or
     • New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away.
4. Make healthy lifestyle choices, such as:
   • Maintain a healthy weight;
   • Make exercise part of your routine;
   • Limit alcohol intake;
   • Limit menopausal hormone use and
   • Breastfeed, if you can.