Your health is important to you and those around you. Take charge of your health. Talk to your doctor, ask questions and follow age and risk- appropriate screening recommendations.

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 risk of breast cancer

2. Get screened

• Talk to a doctor about which screening tests are right for you if you’re at 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 and see a health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes

The changes shown in the pictures that follow are obvious, but most changes happen over time, and even subtle changes should be reported to a doctor.

• A lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast.
• A change in the size or shape of the breast.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• An itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple.
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• And finally, new pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices, such as:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Make exercise a part of your routine
• Limit alcohol intake
• Limit menopausal hormone use, and,
• Breastfeed if you can