Monitoring yourself for breast cancer and educating loved ones

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, though it’s important to remember that monitoring for breast cancer should be a year-round commitment. It’s estimated that, in 2023 alone, 297,790 U.S. women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.¹ Early detection not only can improve prognosis but also can increase the chances of successful treatment.

Regardless of one’s age, experts recommend that adult women perform self-examinations at least once a month. The purpose of these examinations is to check for any changes in the size, shape or appearance of the breasts, which should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately.

Remember that breast self-exams are not a substitute for regular mammograms or clinical breast exams by a healthcare professional. They do, however, play an important role in early detection and add an extra level of defense.

You can help support the fight against breast cancer by sharing this article with loved ones.

1. https://www.bcrf.org/breast-cancer-statistics-and-resources/