Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need To Know

What is breast cancer and why is it important to get checked for early signs and symptoms? Here we will give you a little insight on why mammograms are important and why being aware of your body’s health can save your life. Breast cancer is serious and life-threatening, so make sure you talk to your doctor about yearly screenings!

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a rapid uncontrollable growth of cells in the breast. It can develop in the tissue or in the ducts of the breast that produce milk. If left untreated or not caught early on, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body, thus producing other cancers which can result in death. In the United States, one in every eight women will develop it even if they have a low rate of cancer in their family history. In fact, most women who develop breast cancer don’t have a history of breast cancer in their family at all.

Why is screening for breast cancer important?

It’s important to understand your body’s health and get a yearly mammogram or screening to detect early signs of cancer. Yearly screenings greatly reduce the risk of developing late stage breast cancer. They can also significantly increase survival rates if symptoms are found early on.

How do I know when to start getting yearly screenings?

Because breast tissue is so dense, especially when you’re younger, it is usually recommended by doctors to start getting yearly breast exams in your early to mid-twenties (this is usually routine when you go in for a yearly Pap smear), and to start getting yearly mammograms when you turn 40.

While breast cancer affects so many women (and a small percentage of men) in the United States, you can better your chances of not developing it by making sure you get checked every year. By knowing your body’s health and understanding the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer, you can greatly increase the chance of living a happy and healthy life! Check out more health news and tips on our blog!